The Bega-Tathra Sea Eagles have stamped their authority as the team to beat in the Sapphire Coast AFL competition.
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Again the combined club knocked over the premier Panthers club in the senior grade, while the women’s side also maintained an undefeated run.
Most remarkable for the visiting Sea Eagles was the scoreline, keeping the Panthers to just one goal 19-10-124 to 1-2-8.
There was no delay this week in the Sea Eagles launching in to the scoring with an early goal and strong play through the midfield.
Pambula was short a number of premiership players due to a wedding, but the scoring frenzy against the club was unlike any match experienced in the last three seasons.
Troy O’Loghlin was exceptional in contested marks and centre clearances, while Richard Spink dominated ruck contests.
With co-captain Luke Taylor out, Scott Hay moved to the back lines to guide his troops with Chris Dwyer plugging gaps through the midfield easily.
The contest through the middle was exceptional with fast and physical play that led to a few injuries, including two knockouts.
A Pambula player went down by friendly fire, copping a knock in a two-man tackle, while Will Dickinson was also wobbly after an accidental knee to the head.
Despite spits of rain and an icy southerly, handling was solid from both sides and the blowout early scoreline didn’t reflect the quality of play as the Sea Eagles surged forward 40-1.
Ian McBain put in a gruelling effort in half back to ensure play was moving forward, while John Harney and Kel Evans were putting on some excellent runs up the flanks.
The club was also celebrating the Indigenous round and acknowledged Harney and young Dennis Paratene as strong members of the club on the day.
Pambula’s Sean Smith was the only player to return fire with a single major in the third quarter as the Sea Eagles piled on points.
Adam Blacka led the scoring with five, but Spink was close behind on four goals as O’Loghlin and Evans added three and two respectively.
The women’s contest was also a highlight match as Bega-Tathra came to the fore 3-4-22 to 2-3-15.
Pambula boasted a strong midfield display and tackled hard with Lee Collimore, Mel Leach, Madi Whatman and Lauren Kidd all contesting the ball.
However, the Tathra on-ballers showed pace and precision to keep play even.
Tyjana Thelan was a standout in the half-forward role and was well assisted by flanker Tarni Evans, while Crystal Vas celebrated her maiden goal for the club.
Cymmon Parker and Lindsay McLeod were also strong contesting play with their opposites, while Chloe Pellow’s defensive efforts were fantastic, clearing the ball with a long range boot.