Liam Durkin
PERFECT weather greeted all during round six of East Gippsland football, in games that saw a number of forwards enjoy conditions akin to free-flowing play, resulting in some big hauls across the board.
Stratford won an important match over Lucknow, to give itself some separation on the rest of the competition.
In the closest match of the round, the Swans trailed at every change but rallied in an impressive final term to kick five goals and win by 18 points.
An even opening quarter saw honours shared, before Lucknow faired better in the second to take an 11 point lead into half time.
The Magpies extended the lead to 15 points at the last change, but could only manage one behind in the last quarter as Stratford’s defence stood tall.
The win was the Swans’ fourth for the season and now sees them sit in outright third positon on the ladder as a result.
Stratford coach Peter Morrison completed a good weekend for those bearing the same surname, with Rod O’Keefe’s five goals having a big say in the result.
Jacob Green did his best with three goals for Lucknow to be named his sides best player.
LAKES Entrance was victorious in its must-win match over Paynsville, getting its season back on track after it had threatened to derail early.
The Seagulls were never challenged, and got away to a fast start – thanks to a five goal opening quarter.
The match virtually became the James Gibbs show, as the Lakes Entrance coach booted eight majors in a dominate display.
Trailing by 43 points at half time, Paynesville hit back after the long break, outscoring Lakes Entrance four goals to two in the third.
However, any momentum the Gulls may have gained slowly died off, as Lakes Entrance ran out the game with four goals of its own in the last to win by 39 points.
Along with Gibbs, the Seagulls found good contributions from Jordan Cullen and Xavier Woodland, whilst Paynesville were well serviced by David Ashworth, Nick Pincott and Harrison Cook.
BOISDALE-BRIAGOLONG continued its unbeaten season, disposing a determined Wy Yung by 23 points.
A slow start by the Tigers saw them playing catch up football, after they surrendered 11 scoring shots in the first quarter.
Making its way back into the contest, Wy Yung closed the gap to 20 points at half time, before Boisdale-Briagolong got going again to lead by 28 points at three quarter time.
The last quarter saw a war of attrition occur, as neither side could really break the shackles – Wy Yung was unable to storm over the top, and the Bombers unable to run away to an easy victory.
After trailing by 34 points at quarter time and ultimately losing by 23, the Tigers will no doubt want to address some areas of improvement in terms of preparation to ensure future performances are not affected.
Nat Campbell continued his good season for the Bombers, scoring five goals in the win and received a helping hand from Matthew Goodwin.
Wy Yung’s best players were Chris Wheeler, Daniel Perrin and Shaun Mooney.
AS expected, Lindenow was too strong for Orbost-Snowy Rovers.
The Cats jumped out of the blocks with a seven goal opening term, before effectively putting the game beyond doubt as they stretched their lead to 55 points at half time.
As the game wore on the margin crept closer to 100 points, before the sound of the final siren put the Blues out of their misery.
Lindenow’s forwards enjoyed the opportunities that were presented to them – none more so than Lachlan Dumaresq, who slotted through seven majors. Others who got in on the act were Brian Collier, who kicked four, and Justin Blair and Harold Hood, who finished with three each.
On a difficult day for Orbost-Snowy Rovers in which its reserve grade side forfeit, Mitch Eaton, Braeden Ross and Hamish Nettleton all battled hard.
