Gippsland Times | A DOMINANT defensive performance by Stratford saw Boisdale-Briagolong held goal-less in the first half, setting up an impressive 83-point victory.
While the Bombers managed to get a major on the scoreboard in the second half, it was too little too late, with the East Gippsland football leaders running out winners 5.11 (41) to 18.16 (124).
The Swans had all but secured their seventh victory of the year by half-time, taking a 48-point lead into the long break.
Jack Bacon was the star up forward for the reigning premiers, booting seven goals to take his season tally to 34.
The resul t was a disappointing one for Boisdale-Briagolong, which had looked to be on the improve after a slow start to the year. The Bombers failed to grasp the opportunity to stamp themselves as a genuine finals contender, however still remain in the top four.
Callan Egan booted two majors to be the only multiple goal scorer for the Bombers, while Leigh Fulford was their best in the loss.
Seagulls still in finals hunt
LAKES Entrance kept the door ajar for a possible finals appearance, defeating Paynesville by 10 points to sit just one game outside the top four.
The Seagulls did much of the damage in a seven-goal to three first half, before holding off a resurgent Paynesville side for a 13.6 (84) to 11.8 (74) victory.
Adam Walker was named their best, while Mathew Dugins kicked three goals and was among the Seagulls’ better players.
The win was the four-quarter performance the Seagulls had been searching for and came just at the right time, snapping a four-game losing streak to keep them in the finals race.
Cats climb to third
LINDENOW moved into third place on the ladder with a 29-point victory over Orbost-Snowy Rovers.
While Orbost put in its best performance of the year, it wasn’t enough to see the Blues register an illusive win, eventually going down 16.17 (113) to 13.6 (84).
The Blues again continued their habit of beginning matches strongly, trailing by only eight points at quarter-time.
Lindenow rebounded in the second quarter to kick three unanswered goals for the term and from there never looked back.
Justin Blair, Darren Allen, Callum Ramsay, Brendan Wo odward, Thomas Sturgess and Daniel Abbott all booted two goals for the Cats. For Orbost, Andrew Kenny kicked three majors in a best-on-ground performance.
Tough Tigers overcome Magpies
A SIX-goal to two first half from Wy Yung proved enough as it ran out a 28-point winner over Lucknow.
It was the Tigers’ seventh win of the year and keeps them in second position on the ladder, level on points with Stratford.
Five goals from Mark Sellings took his total to 30 for the season and helped the Tigers to an 11.8 (74) to 6.10 (46) win.
The result was Lucknow’s second straight loss since they caused a major upset against previously undefeated Stratford. Ashley
Smith put in a gallant performance in defeat, kicking two goals to be among the Magpies’ best.
