Lake secures top two spot in Cootamundra

The result moved Sharks four points clear of third-placed Tolland and earned them a double chance in the finals.

It was a ultimately a handball-induced penalty which won the day for the visitors, Henri Gardner making no mistake when gifted the golden opportunity.

But it was far from an easy win for Lake Albert, who made the trip north without much of its potent midfield.

Duncan Brodie, Christie Williams and Cam Mavor were all unable to play, while veteran Sharks coach Michael Babic and 16-year-old Will Lonsdale were among the eclectic group filling the void.

Babic said his side showed great character to wrestle away the victory in enemy territory.

“It was always going to be hard to expect a great performance out of our guys with so many players missing,” he said.

“Playing in Coota is a hard game to head over for a the best of times.

“But we approached it with a good mentality and the guys showed a lot of character.”

Babic said changing the side’s formation from a 4-3-3 to a 4-4-2 paid dividends in a defensive game which lay in stark contrast with its usual high-scoring outings.

“I was particularly happy with our backline,” he said.

“From an attacking perspective it didn’t translate into as many chances as we usually have, but our defence was very solid.”

Elsewhere, Tolland suffered a surprising 4-3 loss to Tumut at Bull Paddock.

Wolves opted to rest all but four of their regular starters, with a host of its players - including captain Richard Skidmore and co-coach Chris Ayton - stockpiling cards during the season and flirting with suspension as a result.

Tolland needed Lake Albert to lose one of its final two games to jump into the top two, ultimately deciding that was unlikely and opting to play it safe instead. 

Tumut’s Reece Mastellotto drew first blood within the first five minutes, but Tolland hit back five minutes later through over 35s call-up Andrew Ceeney.

Eagle James Goode then sprinted 40 metres to convert a delightful through ball and recapture the lead, before captain-coach Matt Lopez made it 3-1 from the penalty spot.

Tolland’s Jaiden O'Brien converted two penalties, but a fraternal connection between James Goode and Will Goode allowed the latter score and ensure Tumut prevailed.

Meanwhile, Henwood Park thrashed lowly Young 7-0 at Gus Smith Oval.

Missing a host of players including leading goal scorer Jake Ploenges, striker Sam Thompson and coach Matt Menser picked up the side’s scoring slack with two goals each.

Ned Evas, Jacob Ochieng and Carl Pideski also found their way onto the scoresheet.