Gippsland Times | IF there was any doubt about it, Stratford confirmed it will once again be the team to beat this East Gippsland football season.
The Swans defeated Wy Yung by 15 points, 7.11 (53) to 5.8 (38), in the rematch of last year's grand final on Sunday afternoon.
After a goal-less first term for both sides, the Swans were able to get on the board with three goals in the second, while managing to hold their opponents score-less.
Last year's premiers took a 26-point lead into half-time, a deficit which would prove to be a bridge too far for the visitors. Despite outscoring Stratford in the second half, Wy Yung was unable to bridge the gap.
Lachlan Heywood was named best-on-ground for the Swans and was one of seven individual goal scorers for the home side.
Nicholas George kicked two majors for Wy Yung, but it wasn't enough to stop them suffering their first defeat for the year.
Stratford’s Liam Lemon gets clear.
First win for Bombers
BOISDALE-Briagolong recorded its first victory in the East Gippsland league on Sunday with an impressive 44-point defeat of Lindenow.
A five-goal to two first quarter set the Bombers on the path to victory, 12.6 (78) to 4.10 (34).
Both teams had seven scoring shots to half-time, however it was the away side who had been more accurate, taking a 10-point lead into the main break.
The second half was all about the Bombers, as they kicked seven goals to one to run away with the game.
For the victors, Callan Egan kicked three majors, while Jason Langshaw, Daniel Kosky and best-on-ground Liam Hurst all contributed with two each.
Nick McConville was the best for the Cats in the disappointing loss, with next week's clash against Wy Yung set to provide another stern test.
Gulls grab second win
PAYNESVILLE got its second consecutive win on Saturday night, maintaining a close lead throughout a tough clash against Lucknow.
The Gulls took a three-point lead into half-time before extending it to nine at the final change.
Lucknow continued to challenge in the final quarter but could never bridge the gap, with Paynesville ahead by three points at the final siren, 7.10 (52) to 7.7 (49).
Daniel Gaunt kicked four goals for Paynesville, while the league's leading goal kicker Shaun Ryan was held goal-less for Lucknow.
Victory for Lakes
LAKES Entrance got back on the winners' board against Orbost-Snowy Rovers in far from convincing fashion.
The Blues jumped out of the gates, taking a 20-point lead into quarter-time. Lakes Entrance responded in the second term with five goals to two to lead by two points at the half.
The Seagulls held their lead into the final break, before kicking away in the final quarter to run out 19-point winners, 12.13 (85) to 10.6 (66).
Ben Crittenden finished with five goals for Lakes Entrance, while Curtley Nettleton also contributed a handful for the Blues.
The win moves Lakes Entrance into the top four, while Orbost-Snowy Rovers remains the only winless team in the league.