Gippsland Times |STRATFORD has returned to the top of the East Gippsland football league ladder with a 14-point win over Wy Yung.
The first half of the match had multiple lead changes, however a four goal to zero third quarter set the Swans up as they headed into the last change. With both sides kicking three goal a piece in the last term, the reigning premiers were able to hold on to run out winners 12.9 (81) to 10.7 (67).
Lachlan Channing continued his terrific form, contributing around the ground and on the scoreboard in a best on ground performance. Joshua Kiss kicked four goals to lead the Swans attack, which used its extensive avenues to goal to prove too strong for the Tigers.
Chris Wheeler and Mark Sellings both booted three majors for Wy Yung, however it wasn't enough.
The loss was Wy Yung's second of the year, with both coming against the Stratford. With the two sides clearly the top two teams in the competition, the Tigers will need to find a way to beat their nemesis should a likely finals meeting eventuate.
Boisdale-Briagolong's loss
A dominant opening term proved the difference as Lindenow accounted for Boisdale-Briagolong by 12 points on Saturday.
Six goals to two in the first quarter gave the Cats a substantial buffer which they carried throughout the 13.6 (84) to 10.12 (72) victory. Despite the Bombers best efforts, inaccuracy around goal didn't help their efforts to bridge the divide in the second half.
Lindenow's Darren Allen booted six goals in a dominant performance, while Brett Hargreaves was also among their best.
For Boisdale, Regan Tait and Jacob Weatherley were the major contributors around goal, but couldn't quite find enough support from their teammates to get over the line.
The win keeps Lindenow in touch with the top two, while also providing a two game buffer back to fourth place Lakes Entrance. After sitting in the top four two weeks ago, Boisdale-Briagolong is now seventh and needs to find a reversal of form quickly if they are to feature in the finals.
Lakes continues run
Lakes Entrance have continued tits amazing turn around to their season, beating Orbost Snowy Rovers by 35 points to move into the top four.
After round seven the Seagulls were languishing in second last on the ladder, with a season record of 2-5 and no real prospects of playing finals.
Since then they have won three matches straight, with their 15.14 (104) to 9.15 (69) victory on the weekend moving them a game clear in fourth position.
Ben Crittenden and Andrew Stevens booted three goals a piece to have a major hand in the win.
For the Blues, it was another improved performance and one which proved they have taken some significant steps over the first 10 rounds of the year.
Despite a breakthrough win eluding them, the fact they kept the match from being a blow out was a major positive. Curtley Nettleton kicked three goals in the loss, while Jae Derbyshire was named their best.
Lucknow too strong
Lucknow proved far too strong for Paynesville, leading at every change on their way to a convincing 59-point win.
A dominant first half meant the game was as good as over, with the Magpies continuing their charge after the main break to run out 14.15 (99) to 5.10 (40) winners.
Shaun Ryan moved further ahead in the league goal kicking tally with a haul of six majors, while Aidan Fitzgerald was named the Magpies best.
The Gulls found goals hard to come by, kicking only five for the day with Craig Taylor their only multiple goal scorer.
The win keeps Lucknow in touch with the top four, while Paynesville will need to turn around their inconsistent form if they are to be a player in the post-season.
