THE Bega Bombers have a shot at the Sapphire Coast AFL finals after a solid win over Eden on Saturday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Bombers defeated the Whalers 15.12 (102) to 5.11 (41).
A violently gusty southerly wind had the advantage at the Bombers’ backs in the first quarter.
Senior coach Matt Fleet spread the word to take advantage early and then keep Eden quiet in the second quarter.
Bega’s midfield was in a world of its own as kicks from outside the 50 sailed over the posts.
Damien Stackpole, Scott Hay and Aaron Wheatley were attacking very accurately, but from a huge range.
Meanwhile, any play that Eden was able to push forward was repelled enthusiastically.
Larry Fuller, John Harney and Justin Welsford played exceptionally and held Eden to just two points before the break.
The second quarter was largely a defensive effort from the Bombers, who looked to keep Eden low on the board.
Wayne Flinn worked hard out of the ruck and halted plenty of possession.
Meanwhile, Chris Dwyer showed phenomenal bursts of speed to outrun his opponents and push play up for Bega.
Shannon Shepher-dson’s high-flying antics in marking also paid off, with the youngster kicking two majors.
Eden veteran Pete Russell led his team from the middle and was able to kick two goals for the home side.
Efforts from Trent Smith and Nathan Carpenter also set up several scoring opportunities for Bega.
Martin Keating chimed in on the scoring frenzy with his two goals.
The lead extended to 50 by the third break.
Eden stacked on a quick 20 points in the final quarter, but Bega landed 30 points to win by 61.
The club sits fifth on the SCAFL ladder, but the win puts the club in finals contention with four rounds left.