The Ron Doyle Motors sponsored Eden Killer Whales ladies travelled to Merimbula to take on the reformed Merimbula Grass-hoppers on Sunday.
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With the heavens opening up just before kick-off, conditions were less than ideal.
However, it wasn’t long before seasoned striker Amber Seckold opened the scoring for the Killer Whales, with a well timed volley from a perfect Mel Mitchell corner.
Mel added Eden’s second soon after, with a long- range shot that trickled into the net after the Merimbula keeper misjudged her position in goals.
Not to be outdone, Kate Mitchell then unleashed her lethal right boot from range to take Eden’s advantage to three goals.
An understrength and young Hoppers side wasn’t letting Eden have it all their own way, and keeper Cyndi Clark was called upon to make some difficult saves.
With just a few minutes to go in the first half, a lightning-quick Hoppers’ striker eluded Eden’s defence to go one-on-one with Clark.
Unfortunately, Clark lost her footing and suffered a knee injury, as Merimbula found the back of the net.
Clark’s injury required an ambulance and halftime caused a lengthy break in play.
Rain had reached torrential levels and play was reduced to 20 minutes.
Eden was left without subs, with Cyndi and Bhud Clark off to hospital.
A quick reshuffle saw Tanya Waites in goals and Kate back to sweeper behind captain Kim Peters.
Tayla Grant and Nikki Doyle took control out wide. Merimbula continued to work hard in defence with Amber Seckold, Deb Heron, Shyanne Walker and Jemma Danvers all attacking goals to no avail.
However, it was right midfielder Kamilla Grubesic bagging a double in quick succession, including a cheeky chip kick over the keeper, to seal the 5-1 victory.
Players’ player went to Nikki Doyle, who had a mistake free game in the midfield and defence.
Before dislocating her knee, Cyndi was having a strong game in goals and featured in the voting.
Coach Heron wished Cyndi a speedy recovery.
“We hope to have her back on the pitch before too long.”
With no games over the long weekend, Eden will be looking forward to tackling Tathra at Tathra on June 15.
A victory would see the Killer Whales sit clear at the top of the table.
