The Terrigal Avoca Panthers are the 2014 Wilson Security Black Diamond Cup premiers after defeating the Killarney Vale Bombers, 17.12.114 to 8.11.59 at No 1 Sportsground Newcastle on Saturday, September 6.
In a tight opening quarter, both teams played high intensity football, with each team only kicking one goal each by quarter time. Terrigal Avoca led by one point at the first break. The second quarter saw the Panthers kick the first goal through Mitch Betson, however, Killarney Vale forward Daniel Lloyd kicked two quick goals to give the Bombers an unlikely lead. From there the Panthers switched on and started to gain the ascendancy in the game by kicking away with three more goals in the quarter. Terrigal Avoca had established an 18 point lead at half time. The third quarter is recognised as the Championship quarter and it proved so for the Panthers as they kicked six goals to two, with the Panthers’ James Polglase kicking two of his five goals for the game, leading all scorers. By three quarter time, Terrigal Avoca had one hand on the Premiership Cup leading by 41 points. The Bombers never gave up and, when Jackson Ireland kicked the first two goals of the fourth quarter, an unlikely comeback was on the cards; however the Panthers again kicked away, led gallantly by best on ground Jason Van Dam. The Panthers again kicked six goals to the Bombers two and celebrations began amongst the Panthers supporters. The 55 point win gave Terrigal Avoca their second Premiership in three years. Van Dam was awarded the Gary McBain Medal as the best player on the ground. He was well supported by James Polglase, Alastair Richardson and Jarred Flint.
Media release, 8 Sep 2014
Garry Burkinshaw, Black
Diamond AFL