Gippsland Times | STRATFORD got its East Gippsland football premiership defence off to the ideal start on Saturday, defeating Boisdale Briagolong by 27 points.
The opening quarter proved to be the difference in the match as the Swans kicked four goals, while managing to keep the Bombers scoreless. The home side showed no signs of a premiership hangover, delivering a four-quarter performance in the much anticipated clash.
The Swans won 13.10 (88) to 9.7 (61).
Dylan Cartwright and Joshua Kiss led the way for the Swans with three goals apiece.
Jacob Weatherly kept the Bombers within reaching distance with four goals of his own, however the league debutants never managed to bridge the gap. Despite the loss it was a positive sign that the move into East Gippsland will allow Boisdale to be more competitive after being regular cellar dwellers in the North Gippsland league.
The Bombers will face another tough test next week when they host Paynesville, while Stratford will travel to Lindenow.
Cats demolish
LINDENOW'S journey towards premiership redemption got underway on Saturday with a 94-point demolition of Orbost-Snowy Rovers.
The Cats won 18.17 (125) to 4.7 (31).
The match came to a premature conclusion eight minutes into the final term because of a neck injury to Darren Allen. Allen has been cleared of serious injury.
The Cats were never headed as Nathan Storer and Daniel Abbott kicked four goals each, while a terrific performance from David Donchi saw him named as Lindenow's best.
As predicted, it looks set to be another tough season for a Blues side that managed just one victory last year. The young Orbost team battled hard, with Jason Eaton and Kieran Vickery leading the way, however they never got close to a Lindenow outfit which will be among the top teams again in 2015.
Evening thriller
AFTER a close battle, it was a nail biting finish to Saturday night's clash between Lucknow and Wy Yung.
There were numerous lead changes throughout the match, however Wy Yung managed to overcome a 21-point three-quarter-time deficit to take the lead late in the final term.
The Magpies had an opportunity to claim victory with a shot after the final siren, but fell agonisingly short, going down by two points, 15.8 (98) to 15.6 (96).
Shaun Ryan had a dominant day in front of goal for Lucknow, kicking nine goals in a best-on-ground performance. At the other end of the ground, the Tigers' Mark Sellings booted seven goals, while Alex Saunders was impressive in his first hit out with the club, kicking three goals and proving that he will be a handy addition this year.
