A new order in local Aussie rules was ushered in on Saturday.
Reigning premier and long-time competition yardstick Pambula had not lost a game of Sapphire Coast AFL since the 2014 pre-season contest...until this weekend.
The Tathra-Bega combination broke the Panthers’ long-running stranglehold on the SCAFL seniors grade with a 19.9 (123) to 16.6 (102) victory at Lawrence Park, Tathra.
Sea Eagles coach Brad McBain said to win any game at home felt good, but this victory tasted particularly sweet.
“Pambula have had a mental edge over the rest of the comp for the last two years,” McBain said.
“To know they can be beaten, it gives us a lot of confidence.”
McBain said the dual premiers really took it up to the home side early in the game and were ahead by 10 at the first change.
“We couldn’t settle as early as they did, but to then hold them for the rest of the game was very pleasing,” he said.
Adding to the enjoyment of the day’s action was the celebration of both Adam Blacka’s and John Harney’s 100th games.
Blacka was especially impressive, slotting eight majors for the game, while co-captain Luke Taylor picked up five.
For Pambula Sean Smith and Jonathan Di-Donato kicked five apiece to keep their side in with a sniff for the entire game.
“Blacka was great, he did a lot of work through the midfield and didn’t just stand at full-forward.
“And Bruza [Taylor] kicked five and did a ton of work.
“It’s what we really needed from our senior players.”
However, it was a younger set of legs that had heads turning with Shane Gartside picked as one of Saturday’s best.
“You could’ve thrown a blanket over the whole team for best player options, but Shane really stood up and even lifted the seniors, putting pressure on all around the ground.”
In what was an all-round sign of things to come, Tathra also won in development grade 10.9 (69) to Pambula’s 8.8 (56) as well as in the ladies 5.6 (36) to 0.4 (4).
Ben Smyth, Bega District News
Last Modified on 12/07/2016 11:05