AFL
There were mixed results for the coast’s two northern clubs in Round 6 of AFL Hunter Central Coast’s 2020 Black Diamond Cup, with the Killarney Vale Bombers picking up a win against the Nelson Bay Marlins and the Wyong Lakes Magpies going down to the Cardiff Hawks.
The Bombers enjoyed a fast paced match against the Marlins, with some early seesawing in the beginning of the first quarter eventually giving way to a 24-13 lead in the Bombers’ favour.
This would become a trend throughout the match, with the Marlins catching up early in each quarter only for the Bombers to pull ahead.
By the start of the fourth quarter, it was still well and truly anyone’s match with, the Bombers holding a 73-70 lead.
More seesawing saw the lead change twice before the Bombers were able to put some much needed distance between the scores in the 16th minute, with a goal to Luke Flack allowing the Central Coast locals to ride out the clock to secure a comfortable 92-85 win.
The Magpies had a rough time in their fixture, losing out to the Cardiff Hawks 102-11.
Going into the match at a deficit, with four players out due to injury or other commitments, the Magpies struggled from the outset, with unfavorable winds helping the Hawks secure a 10-nil lead by the end of the first quarter.
The second quarter was also unkind to the Pies, with the Hawks blowing out their lead to 28-2, despite some solid interference from Wyong.
With the third quarter do or die, sadly it just wasn’t Wyong’s day, with their resurgence abated by consistent scoring from Cardiff.
“Unfortunately, the third term saw the Hawks kick six goals with the wind.
“This was a back breaker and with the final term upon the boys, it was all about getting back to basics, trusting each other and being accountable and quick with the forward line entry.
“The lads had plenty of forward line opportunities but just could not convert, with Lee Moore kicking the only goal for the day in gusty conditions and Cardiff finishing with five majors in the last,” said Pies President, Simon Wood.
Despite the result, Wood had nothing but praise for the Pies, who went into the match knowing they’d be at a disadvantage from the jump.
“Despite the score line, Wyong had ample opportunities but just could not finish.
“This was not due to lack of effort by any means.
“Josh Doyle had his best game of the year down back and stood up in the absence of his counterpart.
“Brother, Nathan Doyle, again had a mountain of touches in the midfield along with Lee Moore.
“Brayden Tos did what Brayden Tos does best and was everywhere in the air and on the ground.
“Hayden Murphy threw his body at everything all day and Sammy Jabour played a big part in the backs while defending the breeze, and David Murphy was sound again at full back.
“Zahn ‘Picklejuice’ Haslam also showed some more huge improvements in his game along with his high energy and competitiveness.
“All in all, there are a lot of positives to take out of the game and especially the first half,” Wood said.
Elsewhere the Terrigal Avoca Panthers beat the Warners Bay Bulldogs 93-39, and the Gosford Tigers went down to Newcastle City 105-77.
Dilon Luke