Magpies unravel as Sea Eagles soar

LADDER leaders Inverloch-Kongwak maintained their unbeaten status as they taught Dalyston that winning requires a full four quarter effort.

Throughout the first half the Magpies seemed up to the task of matching the Sea Eagles but despite being a goal adrift ten minutes into the third term, they eventually capitulated to a better team.

The game commenced in overcast, but dry conditions and the Sea Eagles made the early running with Lachie Scott posting a goal on the run. The usually lethal Mahoney missed with a set shot and Balta hit the post before the home side opened their account through Mason Storr.

The ball was pinging end to end and Dalyston defenders Monson, Duve and Clarke stood firm while Rankin, Patterson and Scott applied good service for the Sea Eagles.

Inverloch-Kongwak failed to make the most of their forays and led by an inaccurate six behinds at the break.

Again, the second started in similar fashion with I-K pressing early while the Dalyston defence worked in unison to nullify their advance.

Having a good season Dalyston’s Hayden Wallis spiralled a goal from fifty while young gun Taite Cumming answered at the other end.

Another goal apiece saw the tempo of the game developing into an entertaining arm-wrestle. However, a late untidy tackle proved costly for Dalyston. The relayed free kick plus fifty metres to boot gifted Balta his second. Then the umpires, before the bounce, found another indiscretion and Marcus Toussaint repeated the dose.

The Pies left to rue their ill-discipline as they headed into the rooms 20 points behind.

Magpie supporters’ expectations rose with two early third quarter goals via Marotta and Barry as the team capitalised on winning centre clearances.

But not to be denied I-K coach Tom Hams came to the rescue lapping up a loose ball to kick a long bomb goal to change momentum. Team-mates Balta with two and Mahoney added more score board pressure and the writing was on the wall. 

The final term began with a deluge of rain initially and Sea-Eagles’ goals to follow. The ball was like soap but Will Hams exhibited great skills to scoop, settle and deliver a terrific six-pointer in the wet. 

And his side showed the polished composure that will take them a long way this season to run out clear winners by 68-points.

Dalyston will now lick their wounds and hope to bounce back against Garfield while the Sea Eagles host the Giants at home in Round 7.