Terrigal Avoca Panthers flexed their muscles with a 135 to 55 win over Cardiff Hawks at Hylton Moore Oval, in round four of the Black Diamond Cup competition on Saturday, April 29.
The Panthers had to withstand a strong early challenge from the Hawks before stamping their authority after half time and going on to win by 80 points.
Cardiff were missing a number of players, and then lost Liam Gibson and Jack Pratt early in the game, however they had no answer to Terrigal Avoca’s running game and pressure, often turning the ball over at crucial times.
Jayson Van Dam, who played his 200th game, kicked the first goal of the game.
Both teams traded goals before Terrigal Avoca managed to lead by six points at quarter time.
Panthers coach, Mark Skuse, had done his homework on the Hawks, with plenty of pressure being applied to Cardiff’s prime movers.
Terrigal Avoca opened up the second term with the first three goals, however the Hawks were able to answer with two of their own before late goals to the Panthers saw them lead by 24 points at half time.
With the Cardiff bench lacking personnel, Terrigal Avoca tightened the screws with their miserly defence, and by keeping the Hawks goalless in the third quarter, they were able to open up a 40 point lead at the final change.
With Cardiff resistance broken, the Panthers ran amok in the final quarter to record an 80 point win, a margin which was not a true reflection on the contest.
Kurt Fleming was outstanding for the winners picking up numerous possessions around the ground and also kicking four goals.
Veterans Peter Van Dam and Alastair Richardson made great returns after missing the previous round, whilst coach Mark Skuse was a smooth mover.
Sam Ellis had a great battle in the ruck with Yensch whilst Damen Smith was part of a strong back six.
In the Black Diamond Plate competition, Gosford made it two wins on the trot with a 63 point win over Lake Macquarie, with veteran Tim Eather kicking eight goals.
Gosford’s women’s team defeated Lake Macquarie 88 to 18.
Source:
Match Report, May 1
Gary Burkinshaw, AFL Black Diamond