YOU could not hope for a closer football game as just three points separated Tathra from Bermagui on Saturday.
The two senior Aussie rules teams fought out at match that swayed regularly until the final moments.
However, the Sea Eagles steadiged in the dying stages to win 15.12 (102) to 15.9 (103).
A mix of level-headed experience and youthful exuberance saw the Sea Eagles steal victory after going into the last quarter four points behind.
“It was such a good game,” Tathra skipper Luke Taylor said.
“The amount of skill level on the ground and having the young blokes stand up when the heat was on was really pleasing.”
The Breakers had traded the lead with the Sea Eagles repeatedly during the match, but led by just four points at the crucial final break.
Coach Reggie O’Loghlin led from the front with a six-goal haul, while Taylor broke out of the back lines to fire three majors.
Mark Webster, Cam Burns, Troy O’Loghlin and Ryan Dakis were some of the strongest around the ground for the Sea Eagles as the team rallied to retake the lead.
Meanwhile, the captain heaped praise on newcomer Marty Scott.
“Marty in just his second game was excellent, the pressure didn’t get to him and he just dug in,” Taylor said.
The defensive line was key in halting the Bermagui assault in the final quarter.
Taylor, who normally plays at fullback, broke loose as a roaming defender and took some crucial marks in the final stages.
Bermagui held the lead with just minutes left to play, but the Sea Eagles rallied some late points to secure the win.
“Three of the young guys got us back in front and stole the game away from them,” Taylor said.
The win was a massive morale boost for the club as it now looks toward the Sapphire Coast AFL finals.
The club will now aim to knock over the Bega Bombers and look at securing third on the competition ladder.
“It will give the chance for the blokes to shine against an evenly matched team and if we can beat Bega we’ll secure the third sport and get the home final,” Taylor said.
“It will be a little bit of revenge for the touch up they gave us last time.
“Now we can see the finals in sight, and potentially a home final, the boys are pumped.”
Jacob McMaster
Last Modified on 20/10/2015 10:44