There were mixed results for the Eden Whalers on the weekend, with the women’s team enjoying a good win over the Pambula Panthers, while the senior grade went down to the hosts.
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Officials said Kamilla Grubesic had a better day, kicking three goals including a long-range effort just shy of half-time.
A spokesman for the club said the ball was moving freely between the 50s with Tammy Whitford gathering kicks in the centre, while Kate Mitchell tackled fiercely.
The Whalers were narrowly ahead by nine points at the main break, before coach Shane Crowe made some strategic moves that paid off for the Whalers.
The margin at full time had extended to 28 points.
“The work rate was outstanding throughout the game,” the spokesman said.
Whitford was the Whalers’ best, while players’ player went to Kate Mitchell and other award winners included Grubesic, Ally Crowe and Hayley Spink.
The next challenge for the women will be against the talented Bermagui line-up.
Eden had allowed two players to don jumpers for the Panthers on the day, while it was reversed in the senior game with three Panthers pulling on the red and white.
It was a great start for the Whalers, who kicked the opening goal when Dylan Wheeler pushed play forward and Ben Thompson capitalised.
Thompson led the kicking with four majors on the board and he was also instrumental in some early passing to Pete Russell who joined in with three goals.
Pambula fought back with some classy plays and action fluctuated end-to-end with some good scoring by both teams.
At the main break, the Whalers were down by just three goals with the Whalers controlling a majority of play in the third quarter.
However, the Panthers were able to soak up the pressure and kicked two goals to lead by 12 points.
Plugger Kirkby showed good form to unload the ball on a borrowed Pambula player for a reply goal and Jayden Spivey improved throughout to gather up possession for the Whalers.
Lachlan Rooney, AJ Grant and Terry Grant were working hard in the back line but the Panthers opened up the game kicking nine goals to two in the final half.
Fitness proved a problem as the Whalers ran out of steam, with the Panthers storming home to win by 66 points.
Coach Crowe was pleased about the way the players went about the game and the team is looking forward to the long trip to Bermagui for hopefully another win for the year.