The women’s team came within just two points of knocking over the Sea Eagles ladies until a last minute goal sealed a 24-16 win to the visitors. 

Officials said opening play was scrappy, but the Eden women were tackling hard and contesting the play well through the middle. 

The solitary goal of the quarter was scored by the visitors, but the Whalers fought back brilliantly in the second quarter. 

Chelsie Cassie booted through Eden’s first goal and a handful of behinds put the hosts in front and the hard-fought nature of the match became apparent at the half-time break. 

When the siren sounded, the hosts led by a single point over the Sea Eagles. 

Ainsley Mann worked well in the centre, winning plenty of ruck contests, while Mel Mitchell was one of the best on the day, pushing play forward. 

By the third break there was a four-point spread in Tathra’s favour, but the Whalers were showing consistent skill and endeavour for the ball. 

“Bianca Findlay was showing her skills in the balk line and moving forward when needed and Tammy Whitford was working hard both on the ground and in the air,” a club spokesman said. 

Kamilla Grubesic had several shots at goal and narrowed the score but at the finish Tahtra was the winner.

The hosts did have some shots on goal, but unfortunately they faded wide.

“Each week the women’s teams are improving their skills and game knowledge through the experience and the coaching,” the spokesman said.  Players’ player was Kamilla Grubesic.

In the senior men’s game, the Sea Eagles got off the blocks quickly, scoring goals within minutes of the bounce as Eden welcomed some new players that were still getting to grips with the feel of the game. 

“Terry Grant made the trip down from Canberra and was one of the main players in the back line, gaining valuable possessions,” the spokesman said. 

James Timms and Locky Scott were also working hard, but by the main break, the visitors had put a big lead on the board 95-5. 

Luke Grewar was showing plenty of skill with ball in hand, but things didn’t improve much for the hosts in the third quarter, but Andrew Salter put on a goal 

Later in the term, Plugger Kirkby used his experience to out-manoeuvre his opponent to take the mark and score Eden’s second goal. However, the visiting Sea Eagles continued their dominant streak, running out a 29-17-191 to 3-6-24 win.

The Blue Ridge Timber award for best on ground went to Locky Scott. 

Eden’s next challenge is at home game on Saturday against Narooma with the women starting at 1:15 and the seniors men at 2.30pm.