The Pambula Panthers senior squad made history on Saturday.
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The Aussie rules team locked in for the first time in the club’s 30 year history, an undefeated season.
The Panthers defeated the Bermagui Breakers 15.14 (104) to 8.5 (53)
Only a fortnight ago, the Panthers travelled to Bermagui where they put on a 100-point flogging of the Breakers.
However, this week, the Breakers were looking to spoil the Panthers’ streak and were threatening to do so by half-time.
Club president Bryan Hammond said it was tense watching the game.
“Bermi gave us a fair fright on Saturday, they outplayed us early on,” Hammond said.
Now, with a two-week break before their semi-final showdown, the Panthers are looking to ramp up their training to be ready.
“We are just sticking to the same game plans, but we are going to change up the training a bit more.
“We just need to ramp it up and get all the boys back on track,” he said.
Saturday’s game got underway in perfect footy conditions, a slight breeze and sunshine met the two teams.
After winning the toss, the Breakers took the upper hand and started to take control early with good ball movement and control, which took the Panthers by surprise.
The Breakers broke the game open early in the first half using the ball very cleverly through the middle with short passes and switching across the ground.
With momentum on their side, they were sending it deep into their forward line, then hitting the scoreboard early.
“The Panthers’ backline of Dave Townsend, Adam Nelson and Seth Blood were constantly under attack, but held up strong.”
The Panthers went into the half-time break in unchartered waters for this season, trailing the Breakers 27-34.
Although the Panthers were down at half-time, the boys knew they were still in the game and coach Sean Smith made a couple of changes on the field.
Despite the deficit at the break, Smith’s adjustments put the team in good stead as the Panthers doubled their score in the third quarter.
Meanwhile, increased defensive play all but locked Bermagui out of the scoring.
At the full-time siren, Pambula had nearly double their score again to take a comfortable 50-point win.
Finishing minor premier has earned the Panthers a two week break, including a bye in the first round of finals games.
“We are hoping there is only two games left for us,” Hammond said.
“The semi-final and then straight to the grand final, that’s the goal.”