“They jumped us by eight goals in the first quarter,” Fleet said. 

The Diggers proved too strong for the Bombers posting 21.12(138) to Bega’s 6.3(39). 

The Diggers jumped away to a 50-point lead in a first-quarter hammering. 

The Bombers joined the fray in the second quarter, but were unable to close the gap. 

By half-time, Merimbula led by a solid 70-point difference. 

Fleet said he was a bit shocked by the challenge the Diggers presented on the day. 

“They are a very good side, they’re fit and well drilled. 

“The Merimbula Diggers will be the benchmark this year,” he said. 

Meanwhile, Fleet said his team was lacking in a few areas, which cost the squad dearly. 

“We were undisciplined.

“We gave away nine 50-metre penalties.

“We’ll address that at training tonight – we’re going to have a really good long think about it and keep trying to improve all the time,” he said. 

The Bombers were keeping play at bay and held more attacking opportunities in the third and fourth quarters, but the damage had been done on the score board. 

Fleet said a couple of players stood out for their on-ground performance. 

“Chris Dwyer was good, Scott Hay was the best on ground by a mile, Cody [Hazelgrove-Danvers] and Dale Lay also played well,” he said. 

Fleet said  the side struggled after not getting a game last week. 

“Our hands and our ball skills were certainly not up to scratch.

“We got caught off guard. 

“I just think the new fellas didn’t know which way they were going or what they were doing.

“And a few of us older blokes struggled to keep up on the big ground,” he said. 

However, Fleet said he hoped to see the squad make a quick turnaround. 

“We’ll be looking to improve, and improve quick.

“We’ll keep plodding away ... it’s all we can do. 

“The game was a reality check for us,” he said.