David Braithwaite
THE top four sides on the East Gippsland football ladder are only separated by percentage after the two unbeaten sides going into Saturday’s matches tasted defeat.
Boisdale-Briagolong ended Lakes Entrance undefeated start to the season.
Leading by three points at quarter-time, the Bombers set-up their 23-point home victory with a three-goal to one second term.
The Bombers 18-point lead at half-time became 31 after kicking the only two goals of the third term. The Seagulls out-scored the Bombers in the final term, four goals to three, but the home side recorded its third straight win, 12.9 (81) to 9.4 (58).
The Bombers moved into second place on the ladder with the victory.
Mat Goodwin, David McKean, Tim Dessent, Sam Bedggood, Shaun Bates and Daniel Johnson were impressive for the Bombers, with Brandon Rimington kicking four goals and Jim Reeves three.
Liam Carroll and Ryan Marsden were best for the Seagulls.
STRATFORD remains on top of the ladder despite an 11-point loss in Lindenow.
The Cats’ three-goal to one third quarter proved to be the difference, as they won 6.10 (46) to 4.11 (35).
A combination of wintry conditions and tight defences made scoring difficult.
The home side led by eight points at quarter-time before booting the only goal in the second term to lead by nine at the main break. The Swans’ cause wasn’t helped by booting seven behinds in the second quarter without kicking the ball through the big sticks.
The Cats edged away in the third quarter to lead by 24 points at the final change of ends. The Swans ate into the deficit during the final term, booting the only two goals, but it wasn’t enough.
Jesse Broadbent stood out for the Swans in defence, Brad White provided run off half-back, Ben Channing and Mitch Hawkins created chances in the forward line, Gavin Bickery was solid in the midfield, and Lincoln Toner continued his strong work in the ruck.
Bayden Ashwood, Josh Lando and Paul Gould were the best players for Lindenow, who are in third place on the ladder.
ORBOST-SNOWY Rovers is only a win outside the top four following its 47-point victory over Lucknow.
The Blues kept the Magpies goal-less in the first half while booting five of their own.
The Magpies kicked their only two goals of the match during the third term as the home side kicked four in the second half to win 9.11 (65) to 2.6 (18).
Max Welsh kicked three goals in a best-on-ground performance for the Blues.
WY Yung registered its first win of the season, defeating Paynesville by 58 points at home.
Leading by two points at quarter-time, the Tigers dominated the rest of the match, adding 11 goals to three to win 14.13 (97) to 6.3 (39).
Harry Kellow led the way for the Tigers, while Luke Elia kicked four goals.
