The match opened up slightly in the final term, with the Gulls adding two majors to keep the Cats at bay. Lindenow had its opportunities in the final term, booting 1.5.

David Donchi and Will Blackley won plenty of ball for the Cats, while Damian Ashcroft, Jason Waddell and Ryan Holland were the better players for the Gulls.

Strong start for Tigers

A STRONG first term set-up Wy Yung's comfortable win over Lucknow.

The Tigers booted four goals to one in the first term on the way to a 7.15 (57) to 4.4 (28) victory, with both sides adding just three goals after quarter-time.

Wy Yung could have enjoyed a better buffer into the long break, adding 1.5 in the second term, but did enough to hold the Magpies at bay.

Darby McCallum, Dylan Somerville and Michael Young ensured the Tigers bounced back strongly, while Thomas Smith had no troubles in front of goal, booting three majors.

Gary Jones, Ash Smith, Ryan Halford and Will Sianna battled gamely for the Magpies, who were ultimately forced to play catch-up in difficult conditions.

The Tigers' defence was a feature, keeping Brent Isles goalless in his return to Magpies colours.

Seagulls success

DESPITE taking the foot off after three-quarter-time, Lakes Entrance scored a comfortable win over Orbost-Snowy Rovers 12.9 (81) to 6.11 (47).

The Seagulls kicked nine goals to two in the first half to set up the win, with the Blues edging Lakes Entrance after half time but the margin was too great for Orbost-Snowy to overcome.

Steven Batista scored a round high four goals for the Seagulls, while Adam Lowcock, Jesse Beha, Adam Walker and Joel Waters put in a solid first half to ensure Lakes Entrance was in a commanding position.

Relieved from Bairnsdale duties, Dale Lynn impressed for the Blues, while David Waddell, Stephen Alderton, Andrew Stanton and Stephen Zappelli ensured he had plenty of support.

STRATFORD had the bye.