IT COULD be a case of lightning striking twice for the Sapphire Coast AFL.
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Sunday’s Lightning premiership tournament was won by the Pambula Panthers despite strong competition from the Bega Bombers, Tathra Sea Eagles and the visiting Orbost roster.
The tournament was played in a 30-minute round-robin format with teams playing three games each before a finals series.
Both local clubs, the Bombers and Sea Eagles, qualified for the semi-finals following strong showings in preliminary matches.
However, Bombers spokesman Matt Fleet joked he was keen for the squad to be knocked out before the finals so he could get home in time for the cricket.
“Truth be told I’m just too old and too fat, I would have liked to be home before the first forward bounce,” Fleet said with a laugh.
Despite a few players’ eagerness to get home, the day was hugely successful with about 30 short format matches played.
“I think it was a really good hit out,” Fleet said.
“The fact is they get Gunghalin to come all the way down and Orbost to come up – it’s a good gauge and there is a lot of positives to come out of the day.”
Pambula dominated the day with large wins in its matches and had a decisive win over the Bombers in the semi-final.
Despite the loss, Fleet was pleased with the efforts from the Bega squad.
“Young Trevor Thomas was sensational and Nick Forrester was really stepping up,” he said.
“Nathan Carpenter is just coming in to his own and Chris Dwyer and Scotty Hay lead by example.”
Tathra also made it to the semi-finals with strong play in the early rounds.
The Sea Eagles were leading the visiting Orbost side by almost 20 points at half time.
Ryan O’Loghlin was accurate with his kicks on goal, while Bayden Pilbeam continued his fine form to win a number of contests and kick several goals on the day.
However, the visitors made a surging second half comeback to outshine the Tathra outfit for a grand final berth.
The Panthers showed their dominance through marking and tackling on the day.
The forwards were able to fend off defenders and grab hold of contested marks time and again, scoring valuable points from the ensuing kicks.
Team captain Sean Smith led through the middle, coordinating between the back line and the forwards.
Orbost contested play well, but tired in the second half for Pambula to secure the win.
“They all turned up and good on them” Fleet said of the Pambula roster.
“It’s a bit more silverware for them.
“They’ve set the benchmark and now it’s on us to get up to that level,” he said.
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