TATHRA’S Sea Eagles Aussie rules first grade squad was back to peak form on Saturday.
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The Eagles posted a strong margin over the Eden Whalers to pick up the competition points in blustery conditions at Lawrence Park, Tathra.
Despite a 100-point thumping, Sea Eagles senior coach Luke Taylor said the game was closer than the scoreboard let on.
“It’s still a fairly big margin, but I don’t think it reflected well on how Eden played,” Taylor said.
“They were in the competition for most of it, once we put the foot down was when we got away from them,” he said.
Taylor said the Eden squad under guidance of new coach Greg Hooper was well-coordinated.
“They seem to be a lot more structured and settled as a team, in previous years we’ve thumped them by 250 plus.”
However, Taylor said he was delighted to claim two from two and get some confidence for the team.
“It was good to string together a couple of wins, it creates a good vibe about the club.
“We blooded a couple of young kids, so we were happy with that,” he said.
Taylor said it was a strong showing from core players, and a surprising display from a newcomer, which got Tathra on the right foot.
“We had Bayden Pilbeam, he played his first game for the club and kicked seven,” Taylor said.
“For him to come on as an 18-year-old and kick seven in his first match is amazing.”
Taylor said it was good to see Pilbeam take up the sport as his dad, Mitch, coached the 2003 team to a premiership.
Meanwhile, a core of players provided a back bone for the scoring frenzy.
“Macka [Brad McBain] has jumped back in the team with some really good form, then both Reggie [Ryan] and Mitch O’Loghlin are both playing excellent football.”
The scoring difference opened up from the outset with Tathra picking up a 41-point lead in the first quarter.
The Whalers held them back in the second with Tathra only nudging ahead by an extra goal.
However, in the third and fourth quarters Eden tired and Tathra started to pile on the points.
McBain was in the mix with six goals, while Lachlan Rettke added three.
Dean Gartside and O’Loghlin added two majors each.
Meanwhile, Shane Agnew was Eden’s best, firing six through the posts.
The lead was extended to 64 by the third and just over 100 by the full-time siren.
Taylor said the support for the club had been incredible since a lack of numbers forced a forfeit in round two.
“The last two games have been fantastic, we’ve had reasonably big crowds.
“If we can get the social support with more bums on seats, we’ll just keep encouraging everyone to come along and support us.
“We play for ourselves and the club, but also for the supporters so we like to turn up and put a good show on.
The Sea Eagles will take on the Narooma Lions this Saturday at Bill Smythe Memorial Oval, Narooma.
“They play a bit better at home so we’ll be going up there expecting a good hitout,” Taylor said.
“We’ll just take each week as it comes and every challenge – we’re going to be confident, but every team is after the four points too.”