Eden Whalers 2.10 (22)

The Eden Whalers fought hard, but could not get past the Pambula Panthers. 

Whalers spokesman Harry Weatherman said the team was one of the club’s best. 

“[We] had one of the best sides that could be mustered with a full bench, but still went down to a powerful Pambula side by 122 points,” Weatherman said. 

The Whalers had two players from Canberra in John Love and Todd Brazier working as big ruckmen. 

“We also had Matt Hooper back from Melbourne and Heath Chester made a comeback.”

Weatherman said key players were working hard for the Whalers.  

“Tom Foat was working hard all around the ground in the first quarter and gaining possessions to push the ball forward. 

“Pete Russell started to filter down to the forward line and had an early short at goal, but only resulted in a behind.” 

Meanwhile, Ben Seide was playing his usual game - challenging his opponent and gaining possessions. 

However, play kept going forward for the Panthers. 

“Our new ruckman was dominating the hit outs, but they seemed to be going to the Panthers,” Weatherman said.  

“Inaccurate kicking” saw the Whalers claim five behinds in the opening quarter to Pambula’s five majors. 

Weatherman said the second quarter was almost a repeat with Eden “doing most of the chasing”.

“Ryan ‘Crusher’ Turnbull kept good track of his opponent and tackling loose players, but there were too many of Panthers lurking,” he said. 

By the big break, Pambula had shot away with seven unanswered goals. 

Weatherman said rainfall “was no excuse” for the Whalers not scoring. 

The third quarter did not fare much better for the Whalers, but did see their first goal on the board. 

“It took until the 20 minute mark of the third quarter for the Whalers to score  a goal,” Weatherman said. 

“A passage of play  included Dylan Thompson passing to John Love and then finished with Heath Chester kicking the goal.” 

As the siren blew at the third quarter the margin was 104 in Pambula’s favour. 

However, Weatherman said at least it made “the scoreboard look a little better”.

Weatherman said injuries had taken a toll on the squad during the match. 

“The bench was full of injuries in the last term with coach Hooper rotating players on and off the bench the best he could,” he said. 

“Liam Wilkinson playing through injury kicked a goal in the last session.”

However, at the final siren Pambula had kicked 23.21(159) to Eden’s 2.10(22).

Weatherman said Hooper made a simple comment after the game. 

“The message at the end of the game was that the endeavor was there, but it is important to attend training.”

Award winners for the Pambula game were IGA to Ryan Turnbull, Ron Doyle to Scott Munday, Golden Ocean to Ben Seide, Fisho to Matt Hooper, Cass’s lunch to Todd Brazier, Turnbull Family to John Love, Coles BiLo best on ground to Matt Hooper and Eden Radiator to Heath Chester.

Tomorrow sees the Whalers on the road to Bega for a night game.

The match starts at the Bega Showground at 7pm.