Gippsland Times |
STRATFORD got its East Gippsland football season off to a positive start with a comfortable victory over Lindenow, 12.9 (81) to 8.14 (62).
The Swans got the jump on an inaccurate Lindenow early, which would prove the difference at the final siren. Stratford stamped its authority early, adding four goals for the term while keeping the Cats to five behinds to open up a 21-point buffer.
The Cats hit back in the second quarter, closing the gap to 10 points, before Stratford regained control in the third term, adding three goals to the Cats' one to open up a 25-point lead.
Both sides added three goals each in a competitive final term.
Stratford had plenty of scoring options, with Josh Kiss and Sam Noone kicking two goals, while talls Lachie Heywood and Kaine Kerton also hit the scoreboard while resting forward.
Swans recruit Jesse Broadbent gained best-on-ground honours, while Corey Scholtes and former Boisdale-Briagolong player Patrick Gordon were also prominent.
Gavin Bickery provided rebound from defence, setting up many attacks.
Nathan Storer led the way for the Cats with three majors, while David Donchi and Jack Blair won their fair share of the ball.
Terrific Tigers
WY Yung continued its winning ways with a hard fought victory over a gallant Orbost-Snowy Rovers, 14.11 (95) to 7.10 (52).
Within 13 points at three-quarter-time, the Blues put in a competitive showing before fading in the final term.
Mark Sellings stood up when Wy Yung needed him, finishing with four majors as the Tigers finished strongly. The Tigers added five goals to one, with Thomas Smith also getting in on the act, finishing with three goals.
Bradley White, Sam Denby-Blake and Chris Wheeler did the grunt work to set up the Tiger forwards.
Wy Yung had winners all over the ground in the final term, and wasn't without scoring options, finishing with nine goal scorers.
Mark McDonald and Michael Delaney kicked two goals each for the Blues, while Daniel Preston and Stephen Zappelli were valuable contributors.
Premiers win
REIGNING premier Paynesville banked its first win of the season, with a six goal to one final term proving the catalyst in the 51-point win over Lucknow.
The grand final rematch lived up to its billing early, with the Gulls leading by 13 points at the final change before running away with it in the final term, 16.15 (111) to 9.6 (60).
Spearhead Keith Ritchie had a quiet day with two majors, but the Gulls had plenty of avenues to goal with 10 goal scorers.
Damien Ashcroft and Brayden Radford continued their solid early season form for the Gulls, with David Ashworth, Daniel Gaunt and Darcy Thorpe other valuable contributors.
Shaun Ryan kicked two goals for the Magpies, while Brenton Martin and Gary Jones also booted majors.
Will Siana was Lucknow's best.
LAKES Entrance had the bye.
