Sea Eagles run away with another win

GETTING a decent head start over Kilcunda-Bass, Inverloch-Kongwak enjoyed a 50-point win on Saturday.

The Sea Eagles have been disappointed with the way they’ve started games against the top sides of late and changed up their strategies at training for an improved first quarter.

They were rewarded with a four-goal advantage heading into quarter time.

Inverloch-Kongwak welcomed U18 players Lucas Allen and Zak Box into the Senior’s lineup this week and both held their own.

Box played was a good presence in half back and put his body on the line throughout the game, cementing his place as a long-term player.

Allen kicked a goal after his first touch in the first quarter, finishing the game with a two-goal haul.

Tate Short had a good day out for the Sea Eagles, kicking five goals and claiming best on.

Short was moved up forward this year after playing centre half-back.

The Sea Eagles needed him up forward and have seen a lot of improvement from him over the last six weeks.

Short took a lot of ripper grabs and was consistent throughout the match, giving the Sea Eagles the upper hand they needed.

As for Kilcunda-Bass, the Panthers were celebrating Daniel Mock’s 100th club game and were eager to stay competitive heading into the second quarter.

The Panthers regrouped and outscored Inverloch-Kongwak in the second quarter, starting to close the margin.

By the third quarter, the Panthers had gained a lot of control of the ball but were unable to convert their opportunities.

Kicking seven points by three-quarter time and allowing a few more goals to be added to Inverloch-Kongwak’s tally, the Sea Eagles were holding on to its lead.

Once the final quarter rolled around, Kilcunda-Bass had the realisation it would not be able to bridge the gap.

However, the game remained high-paced and competitive. 

Kilcunda-Bass was delivering through the midfield, led by captain Nathan Foote, who has been in excellent form recently.

Dale Gawley was an asset in the ruck, which was capitalised on by Ben Eddy, who moved the ball well down the ground and matched it with Inverloch-Kongwak.

Inverloch-Kongwak actioned its strategies through all four quarters and was proud of the strong effort. 

The Sea Eagles kicked five goals to finish the game, happy to be back on the winners’ list. 

Coach Lee Rowe said despite the loss, it was a great game to watch and a good opportunity for the coaching panel to begin strategising for finals.

Kilcunda-Bass’ remaining two games will serve as preparation for the finals series ahead.

The Panthers will play Korumburra-Bena on Saturday in the Gus James Cup to raise awareness for mental health.

Korumburra-Bena won the match last year and is coming off the back of two wins. 

Kilcunda-Bass will not be reading too much into its 51-point win over the Giants in round one and will be treating the game like a final. 

Inverloch-Kongwak has a tough match ahead against Phillip Island.

The final two matches against Phillip Island and Bunyip are important ones for Inverloch-Kongwak, given it’s so close at the top.

The outcomes of these games will determine where the Sea Eagles end up on the ladder and they’ll be putting everything they’ve got into the next few weeks.