The Whalers were in for a rough time taking on the Bermagui Breakers on Saturday in heavy rain.
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However, pre-season training paid off and the squad was ready to open the season.
Unfortunately for the Whalers, the wet conditions favoured Bermagui and they took a win 112 - 40.
Club spokesman Harry Weatherman said the team was “depleted”, but well-served by newcomers.
“There were some new playrs in the team and some veterans returning,” Weatherman said.
“As well as some who missed the pre-season, but were willing to pull on the boots,” he said.
Weatherman said play started well for the home side with the first quarter being an introduction of sorts.
“A few team members had to introduce themselves to the others,” Weatherman said.
Adrian Pavese joined the squad from Canberra and Matt Hooper signed on from Melbourne.
Play was difficult with a “grease wet” ball, but the Whalers opened well.
Weatherman said the Whalers were not afraid to get amidst the action.
“It was difficult to mark the ball and Eden was happy to mix it with Bermagui while the ball was on the ground.”
It was a veteran of the Whalers to post the first points of the season proper Weatherman said.
“Kane Kirkby took over his fathers number and kicking the first goal of the season for the Whalers.”
The Breakers only held a two-point lead by the first quarter break.
Going to the second quarter the Whalers hoped for a solid showing.
Pavese kicked a huge goal to have the Whalers in front.
However, it was only for a short while as the Breakers edged ahead in points again.
Ben Siede was in the thick of the play after being out of the game for a number of years.
“He was using his speed and agility around to move the ball forward,” Weatherman said.
Hooper was leading by example, tackling and showing the younger Whalers “how to mix it with the big boys”.
At halftime the game was still in the balance when the Whalers only trailed by 13.
However, as the ground started to dry out marking got a little easier for the tall Bermagui side spectators said.
Unfortunately for the Whalers, the home side went virtually scoreless for the quarter.
“Nathan Goodrich who had not played much football was able to spear pass a ball to ‘sure shot’ Pete Russell for the only goal of the quarter,” Weatherman said.
Meanwhile, the Breakers were in attack mode and the score began to blowout in their favour.
Scott Munday enjoyed a run out of the back line.
Meanwhile, Ryan Turnbull worked hard across the ground and Goodrich kept pressure on the Breakers.
When the final siren sounded Bermagui had won 16.16(112) over Eden’s 6.4(40).
Weatherman said the club would now train hard as it has a couple of bye rounds.
“We hope to keep the numbers at training growing and this should improve the scoreboard results further down the track,” he said.