Sea Eagles defeated in important battle

INVERLOCH-KONGWAK was devastated to lose an important game against the Warragul Industrials on Saturday.

A victory against the Dusties may have secured the Sea Eagles’ place in the finals, but now it will come right down to the wire with less than one per cent separating them from Kilcunda Bass.

A good crowd rallied around Inverloch Recreation Reserve as Lewis Rankin played his 200th game, and the team was disappointed to not get the win for him.

The contest was close from the first bounce, but Inverloch-Kongwak’s story of the day was it could not capitalise on its opportunities.

A few missed shots at goal allowed the Dusties to gain a 15-point lead at quarter time.

Inverloch-Kongwak was still feeling confident going into the second quarter, with the Dusties very much within reach.

It was an even struggle with the defence lacking on both sides. Inverloch-Kongwak had a strong midfield, led by Paul Pattison. Oscar Toussaint and Ethan Park were essential through the middle. Harry Butcher also played a solid game down back. 

A similar scene played out during the third quarter, but Inverloch-Kongwak started to gain on the Dusties, ending up just two points behind heading into the last quarter.

The Dusties fought back in the fourth quarter and pushed the score back out to a 20-point margin.

The determined Inverloch-Kongwak side brought it back again, but the Dusties kicked one last goal on the siren to secure its 15-point win. 

Inverloch-Kongwak is still in it, but it’s a tough road to the finals with its last round set to be against Phillip Island.

The Sea Eagles will be going into the match at the Cowes Recreation Reserve as if it’s a knockout final.

Should Inverloch-Kongwak lose this match, it will need Kilcunda Bass to lose to Garfield or deliver a score that will maintain its higher percentage.

Inverloch-Kongwak faced Phillip Island in round eight and lost by 100 points – its worst performance of the season.

Not only is this an important game to keep the Sea Eagle’s 2025 campaign alive, but it is also a chance for redemption. 

‘Lewie’ soars to game 200

INVERLOCH KONGWAK premiership player and joint captain Lewis Rankin brought up his 200th senior game when he burst through the banner to lead his side out against Warragul Industrials on Saturday.

“You’re one of the most courageous players in the league,” the Sea Eagles declared in a Facebook post.

Respected by those at his club and throughout the competition, Rankin is now an IK Life Member, being only the twentieth player in the club’s history to achieve the milestone. 

Noting that ‘Lewie’ has been through thick and thin, the club listed his impressive achievements and contributions to the Sea Eagles.

They include playing in two senior premierships, being assistant coach and co-captain of the 2023 Grand Final winning side.

He coached the U16s through a challenging period, his mentorship helping develop the club’s young players.

While Saturday’s match didn’t go IK’s way, the Sea Eagles were competitive and it was a night of celebration when people gathered over a meal to chat about Lewie’s continuing contribution.