The Eden Whalers were defeated by the Bega Bombers 29.11 (185) to 12.8 (80)
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The Eden Whalers took a loss to the Bega Bombers, but just wrapped up their strongest season in half a decade.
The Whalers bagged two wins this season, closing off a four-year losing streak.
More than 50 players also donned the red and white jersey and the club piled on 200 more goals this year than previously.
Coming off the back of a great win over Narooma, Eden wanted to finish the season with two-in-a-row.
Unfortunately for the home side, it was not to be the case and was overrun by the Bombers by 105 points.
Officials said it was good to welcome back Dylan Wallace and John Love to the side.
Both, along with Pete Russell and Terry Grant, were instrumental in gaining clearances out of the centre.
Russell was in the play from the start of the game and this helped Eden score the first goal of the game through ‘Plugger’ Kirkby.
Heath Chester also put one through the tall sticks, and at this stage of the game the Whalers were still in touch with Bega.
However, the Bombers were reading the ball better in the tight contests and at quarter time were ahead by 29 points.
Wallace was again important around the ground both in the ruck and taking marks.
Dylan Thompson was playing tight on his opponent, but the Bombers controlled the play throughout.
The Bombers were piling on goals between Adam Blacka and Steven Luff with the half-time siren not coming quick enough for Eden.
The third quarter still favoured the visiting Bega team, but the Whalers began to coordinate some team efforts they had been working on all year.
Kirkby kicked two clever goals on the back of some solid midfield passing.
Love continued his good form, kicking a goal along with Dylan Wallace.
Lachlan Rooney was also deeply in the action, improving his tackling skills.
The Whalers never stopped trying to get their hands on the ball.
However, the margin had extended to 90 points at the three-quarter break.
The score had pushed the game out of reach for the Whalers, but the Eden outfit rallied its efforts to finish strong.
Love kicked another goal and Plugger snapped his last goal for the season.
Club stalwart Harry Weatherman was impressed by Kirkby’s efforts.
“He was playing like a man half his age,” Weatherman said.
Scott Munday battled hard all day along with other back line players Ryan Turnbull and Toby McKenzie.
“Unfortunately the Whalers’ boat had taken on too much water and the season finished with a disappointing loss to the finals-bound Bega Bombers.”
Despite the season being over, the club is now looking forward to its annual presentation and other events to be held in the coming months.
Saturday was also a sponsors’ day for the club where the Whalers were able to say ‘thank you’ to everyone who has supported them throughout the year.
This week’s award winners were Eden Radiator, Pete Russell; Coles and Eden Fishermens Club, John Love; Golden Ocean, Ben Seide; Cass’s Corner Store, Ryan Turnbull; Eden Outdoor and Marine, Dylan Wallace; Naomi and Craig Turnbull goal-kicking, ‘Plugger’ Kirkby; Eden Carpet Cleaning, Terry Grant; and Ron Doyle, James Timms.
Now all eyes are on next season.
“We look forward to continued support for the 2015 season,” Weatherman said.