One-point classic keeps Panthers’ finals hopes alive

THE battle for the coveted sixth spot on the ladder drew a fitting conclusion when Kilcunda-Bass scraped by with a one-point win against Inverloch-Kongwak on Saturday.

Kilcunda-Bass breathed a sigh of relief when it claimed the four points to be a game clear of the Sea Eagles on the ladder, but it took a nailbiter to get there.

Playing at the Bass Recreation Reserve, there was a slight breeze that favoured the social rooms end early in the match.

The rain held off to ensure good and fair conditions for the matchup.

Kilcunda-Bass kicked against the wind in the first quarter and felt it held on well, staying one point ahead before the first siren and foreshadowing what was to come.

Both sides fumbled some of the opportunities, which meant defence was the order of the day.

Kilcunda-Bass kicked away in the second quarter and was 15 points ahead halfway through.

Knowing the game was in the balance, the Panthers tried to get the break they needed, but the Sea Eagles had other plans.

Inverloch-Kongwak stepped on it and ensured the scores were level going into halftime.

There was some shuffling around in the third quarter, but the contest remained tight. 

Neither side showed domination, but Inverloch-Kongwak worked hard to gain a small lead with one quarter to go.

Kilcunda-Bass made the decision to move Lochlan Scott forward to counteract Inverloch-Kongwak’s Jayden Sullivan.

Sullivan was an overpowering presence in the Sea Eagle’s defence all game but Scott was able to take some important marks to keep the ball in the Panthers’ forward line.

As fans on both sides held their breath as the game drew to a close, Dale Gawley missed an important shot for Kilcunda-Bass, but the ball was picked up by Travis Tuck.

Tuck quickly snapped for a point and the siren went 20 seconds later.

Although Kilcunda-Bass is now a game ahead, it only has five games to go while Inverloch-Kongwak has six.

The fate of its 2025 season is still dependent on its performance during the remaining games.

Next week, Kilcunda-Bass will play Cora Lynn.

The Panthers lost by 30 points to Cora Lynn in round six but played the Cobras late in the season last year and only lost by 13 points.

This close contest spurred the Panthers on to maintain their spot in the finals and hopes this game will have the same effect.

Inverloch-Kongwak has a challenging game ahead as it preps to play Tooradin-Dalmore.