Erika Allen
Tom Hayes
STRATFORD produced a performance for the ages to knock over last year’s premier, Wy Yung in East Gippsland football at the weekend.
The two sides fought tooth and nail for four quarters, with barely anything separating the two at the end of each quarter.
The Swans handed Wy Yung their first loss of the 2024 season, downing the Tigers by two points, 9.11 (65) to 9.9 (63).
Nothing could stand between the two sides at Stratford Recreation Reserve at quarter time, both scoring 3.3 (21) apiece.
The Swans held the upper hand heading into halftime, despite having less chances in front of goal.
Wy Yung scored 2.3 (15) to Stratford’s 3.1 (19) in the second term, gifting the home side a four-point advantage at the main break.
There must have been a scoring end at Stratford Recreation Reserve on Saturday afternoon, as Wy Yung spurred themselves back into the game in the third.
Another three goals were slotted for the reigning premier, to Stratford’s one, which saw the lead trade hands again, this time to Wy Yung, who led by a straight kick at the final change.
A massive final quarter was played, and Stratford was up to the task.
They kept the Tigers to just two scores in the quarter, their lowest amount of opportunities all game. And they did it when it mattered most.
Wy Yung registered 1.1 (7), but it wasn’t enough to keep Stratford at bay, as the home side managed to kick two through the big sticks to see them over the line.
Lachlan Channing was named in the best for the winning hosts, alongside Floyd Fulton, Brodey Reid, Jack Bacon, Will Webb (five goals) and Alex Morcom.
While for Wy Yung, Tom Betts, Bayden Ashwood, Nathan Dennison, Jake Anderson (four goals), Luke Elia and Bradley Daniel were valiant in defeat.
Stratford moved into the top four with a win-loss record of 3-1, while stunting Wy Yung to a 3-1 record also.
The Swans host the undefeated Lucknow next week in Round 6.
LUCKNOW finished strong against Lindenow.
The Magpies were given a scare by the bottom-of-the-ladder Cats at home, winning 7.10 (52) to 4.1 (35).
Neither team could register a goal in the first quarter, yet Lindenow led 0.5 (5) to 0.1 (1) at quarter time. Both sides had better luck in front of goal in the second term, and Lucknow hit the front by two points at the half.
Lindenow weren’t going away, sticking within a goal following the action of the third quarter.
But the undefeated Lucknow proved why they were unbeaten, kicking three goals to one in the final term to run away with a 17-point win. If Lindenow had have taken their chances, they could have produced one of the upsets of the season.
ORBOST Snowy Rovers were 100-point winners over Paynesville, winning 21.18 (144) to 6.8 (44) at Lochiel Street Reserve.
The Rovers had 12 separate goal scorers, half of which scored multiple. Gus Rogers led the way with four majors.
BOISDALE Briagolong and Lakes Entrance had the bye.
