Football:
Lakes Entrance has slipped six points behind Lindenow and Lucknow in the race for a top four berth on the East Gippsland football ladder, the Seagulls going down by 56 points at the Cattery last Saturday.
In a match that could have a significant bearing on both sides’ finals chances, the Cats secured their first win in a month, and Lakes must now face Lucknow this Saturday in a bid to re-launch its season. A Seagulls loss to the Pies will mean curtains for 2012.
In an even first quarter, Lakes had plenty of chances against the Cats, but missed or turned over the ball on numerous occasions.
The Seagulls’ backline worked hard, particularly Adam Lowcock and John Hooper, rebounding plenty of footy and sending it forward, but delivery into the attacking 50 was poor as Tom Smith and Gerard Kennedy had their work cut out for them.
Lindenow made the most of its opportunities and held a 10-point buffer at the first change.
The Cats got on top in the second, with Kaine Bulmer and Paul Collier dangerous in attack with Justin Blair winning plenty of ball in the middle.
Zac Guarnaccia and skipper Nathan Pegler didn’t do much wrong in the centre, working hard all day, but it wasn’t enough to stop a Lindenow onslaught.
The Seagulls welcomed back big man Andrew Stevens from suspension, who was forced into defence after a tough stint in the ruck.
He went to Bulmer and did his best efforts in stopping him, while fellow ruckman James Beha latched onto everything around the ground on his way to another best on ground performance.
Four goals to one in favour of the home side had blown the game open and the 31-point margin at the half with the home ground advantage was always going to be tough to reel in for Lakes.
After an even third term, where the Seagulls captilised on their opportunities and the Cats were inaccurate, the hosts stormed home in the last.
The Seagulls were within 23 points with 20 minutes to play, however Lindenow booted 5.4, while keeping the Seagulls to just two behinds for the quarter to run out a nine-goal victor.
Lakes lacked leg speed around the ground, particularly in the forward line, which cost the visitors the game.
Beha again stood out like a beacon for Lakes Entrance as he consolidates himself as one of the premier big men in the competition, while Stevens was very good. Guarnaccia and Lowcock were solid.
Netball:
In the remaining game, Lakes Entrance confirmed itself as a genuine premiership contender, disposing of the lower ranked Lindenow in comfortable fashion.
Lakes went into the game without two key defensive players in coach Lidia Thorpe- Somerville and Meika Pitt, but were able to utilise “B” graders Marissa McKean and Chloe Watson in what turned out to be an easy win.
Sam Beha caused many turnovers in defense and with mid court players Jacquie James and Jemma Le Maitre working hard all game Lakes was able to keep a steady supply to its goalies.
Beha, Sigrid Dostine in wing defence and goalie Chrissy James were Lakes’ best, while Murphy, Williams and Whitbourne were solid for the Cats.
Last Modified on 26/06/2012 18:10