The Sea Eagles went down kicking 9.4 (58) to Merimbula’s 19.12 (126).

Tathra senior coach Luke Taylor said experience was the telling factor as the Diggers took the lead in the second half. 

“The lack of experience played the biggest toll in the end,” Taylor said. 

“But I thought our boys did a tremendous job to stand up to an experienced Merimbula squad.”

Taylor said a large number of injuries were in the mix, with up to nine premiership players missing the game. 

“It was a couple of different things ... there was nine or 10 blokes out,” he said. 

“Without reserves in the competition it really hampers our depth.”

However, despite the loss, Taylor said he was looking at the positives coming out of the game. 

“A lot of those young guys that played on Saturday have played four or five games of footy in their life.

“So it is good to see them learning and good for the club overall.

“I’m quite confident by the business end of the year we will be really competitive,” he said. 

Taylor said he was pleased with the effort shown by the squad on Saturday, and that was all he could ask for. 

“Wether it is having nine blokes out or nine blokes in, it is just about getting on the park and giving it our best go each week.”

Taylor said the squad is “loving going down and playing at Merimbula” as it is where finals are held. 

“That’s where the finals are played, so we welcome the opportunity to get down there and play as often as we can.”

Taylor said he still has eyes for the finals and is looking to have a squad ready to play. 

“We are known for getting our side right at that time of the year.

“It may not be the calibre of sides we have had in the past. 

“But the young guys will still be in the side then as they will have developed and it only helps us to keep developing these younger guys,” he said.