STRATFORD was held scoreless in the opening term as it went down to reigning premier Lindenow in round 15 of East Gippsland football.
The Cats booted six goals in the first term on the way to a 18.7 (115) to 10.8 (68) win.
Facing a 38-point quarter-time deficit, the Swans matched it with Lindenow in the second and third quarters to be five goals in arrears at the final change.
Lindenow added four more goals to Stratford’s one in the final term to run away with a 47-point victory.
Stratford was well-served by Ty Morrison, who kicked five goals, Kaine Kerton put in another strong effort in the ruck, while Rowan Marsden, Sam Breakspear, Lewis Bolton, and Dylan Cartwright were also among the Swans’ better players.
Michael Preston booted six goals for Lindenow in a best-on-ground performance.
Stratford will be hoping to bounce back against Lucknow this week in front of members of its 2002 senior premiership side.
The team, coached by Michael Clapton, defeated Lindenow South in the Riviera league grand final, with Scott Wilkinson winning the VCFL Medal for best-on-ground. Other prominent players on the day were Mark Nicholls, Carl Turner, Adrian Crozier and Brett Johnson.
The team and officials will be dining at the Avon Hotel, Stratford from noon before heading to the Stratford oval to watch the Swans take on Lucknow.
For more information phone Scott Wilkinson on 0428 456 136.
LUCKNOW won every quarter to defeat ladder leader Wy Yung, 18.10 (118) to 10.11 (71).
Brad Paris, Shaun Ryan and Joel O’Toole were instrumental for the Magpies, booting 10 goals between them, while James Young kicked five majors for the Tigers.
SALE Umpires Association members were called on to officiate Paynesville’s big win over Orbost-Snowy Rovers.
The Gulls booted seven goals to one in the first term and were never headed on the way to a 28.23 (191) to 2.9 (21).
Keith Ritchie, Adrian Gibbs and Anthony Simpson booted 15 majors between them, with the Gulls boasting 12 individual goal scorers.
LAKES Entrance had the bye.
