WY Yung clinched the East Gippsland football minor premiership with a 61-point thrashing of Stratford on Saturday.
After a tight first quarter the Tigers kicked five goals to one in the second term to open up the buffer against their top two rival and never looked back, eventually running out winners 18.15 (123) to 9.8 (62).
With both sides set to meet in the major semi-final in a fortnight, it remains to be seen if Stratford was just keeping its cards closer to the chest and if the reigning premiers will turn up the intensity when there’s something to play for.
Daniel Zammit kicked five goals for the Tigers, while best-on-ground Alex Saunders and James Young kicked three majors each.
The result was a turnaround from the two earlier meetings this season between these sides and leaves the Tigers six points clear with one game to play.
Patrick Gordon was Stratford’s best, while Stephen McKerrow led the way with three goals.
LINDENOW secured a finals berth with a 23-point victory over Boisdale-Briagolong.
The 11.16 (82) to 8.11 (59) win moved the Cats eight points clear of fifth-placed Lucknow with just one round to play, locking them in for a clash against Paynesville in the first week of the finals.
After a close fought first half, the home side began to create a buffer in the third term and took a three-goal lead into the final stanza. From there they were never headed, with Darren Allen continuing his strong form of recent weeks with four goals for the Cats.
For Boisdale-Briagolong, Matthew Wilkinson and Daniel Kosky kicked two goals each, while Callan Egan was their best player.
The Bombers will next week face Lucknow in their final match for the year, while Lindenow will travel to Wy Yung to take on the league leaders.
ORBOST-SNOWY Rovers has finally broken through for its first victory of the year in dominant fashion, thrashing Lakes Entrance by 83 points at home.
In his first game for the Blues this year, Wes Russell kicked six goals to help them to a 17.17 (119) to 5.6 (36) victory.
Curtley Nettleton and Tyson Siddle also made the most of Orbost’s dominance around goal, booting three majors, while Ashleigh Jonkers was best-on-ground for the home side.
For Lakes Entrance, Brandon Sauer was the only shining light, kicking four of his sides five goals for the day.
The Seagulls really had nothing to play for in the match, but that takes nothing away from a much-deserved reward for Orbost and their first year coach Dave Waddell. The Blues have shown signs of development throughout the season, with all involved at the club hoping 2016 will be see more wins than previous years.
PAYNESVILLE secured the final spot in the top four with a 51-point win over fellow finals contender Lucknow.
After trailing at quarter-time the Gulls piled on five goals to one in the second term to grab the lead, one which they never relinquished on their way to a 15.18 (108) to 8.9 (57) win.
Shaun Ryan’s five goals weren’t enough for the Magpies, who fell just short of making finals.
For Paynesville, Jordan Farquhar booted four goals, while Ashley O’Connor was their best.
With a finals berth secure, the Gulls may consider resting some players against Orbost this weekend, before their showdown against Lindenow in the minor semi-final.
