This match also marked the return of the 'Bemboka to the Beach' football to the Panthers club, where it will be kept in the Bemboka Hotel. 

In a tough and bitterly fought struggle, the united team of Candelo-Bemboka emerged victorious against Tathra at Colombo Park.

Halftime saw the Panthers leading 16-0, and as the second half progressed the Sea Eagles looked to be getting their own back, however their opponents defence proved too tight for them.

Tensions mounted, and if not for the timely intervention of the referees at least one scuffle could have broken out.

After the match, Candelo-Bemboka club president Dave Allen said he was happy with how the event had gone, and thanked Tathra for coming out to play.

“It was a good day,” Allen said.

“And it was a good result for only a one-off game.”

He said that for a stand-alone match that had been organised with limited notice, a decent crowd turned up.  

Allen described the relationship between Candelo and Bemboka as “really good” which benefits their game on the field.

“The two towns work really well together,” he said.

Candelo-Bemboka’s future is looking bright as there will be a reserve team playing next year as well as a ladies team, but Allen is hopeful the club will be organised for first grade too.

He said while there are a few members of the current team who could step up into first grade, he is looking to attract more players.

Candelo won the 1965 premiership, and while Allen hopes to celebrate the 50 anniversary of that victory by holding a game at Candelo next year, there is a bit of work that needs to be done to the field first.