Sea Eagles soar in Korumburra

KORUMBURRA BENA were met with another huge test, playing their third top four opponent in three weeks, this time hosting the top of the table Inverloch Kongwak at the Korumburra Showgrounds. 

The game had a scrappy start with IK dominating possession but kicking missing their shots in front of goal, before Archer Reid converted a set shot on return to his home club after a strong year at Gippsland Power and state level. 

The visitors took a 17-point lead into the first break with the hosts unable to score. 

Korumburra Bena’s defence was under pressure but standing up gallantly, but despite their superb efforts in defence their just couldn’t pierce their way through the IK press upfield. 

Jay Walker, as he has all season, was giving the Giants plenty of grunt and run through the middle of the ground and both Kodie Walker and Jordan Grabham were doing a fantastic job down back, getting to the ball in the air despite both being undersized. 

All their efforts weren’t rewarded on the scoreboard though, as the Sea Eagles talent began to come to the fore, second gamer Jarvis Harvey kicked a great goal after a terrific gather and kick off the outside of his boot and Tom Wyatt’s second was a fantastic snap from the boundary after shrugging a tackle.

Jay Walker continued to through his body around and work hard at both ends of the ground, winning free kicks in defence taking the pressure of Kodie Walker who was having a decent afternoon playing on the much taller Reid. 

Although a great contest from Harvey caused a spill for Andrew Soumilas to snap the first major of the second half. 

Zach Walker was also strong down back for the Giants alongside his skipper Matt Kennewell who was able to win the football back for his side and set up their first goal, courtesy of their star midfielder Jay Walker. 

This sparked the Giants who never stop fighting and their effort lifted in the third as they were determined to not let IK have it all their own way. 

The Sea Eagles were able to ignite some fire of their own shortly after though as James Scott was rewarded with a high tackle and kicked his first goal on debut, much to the delight of his teammates. 

The Giants were able to win a lot more possession and hold the ball inside their half for a greater majority of time in the premiership quarter as IK were inaccurate once again. 

A string of behinds was finally ended when Will Hams who kicked truly to extend the Inverloch Kongwak lead to 66-points at the final change.  

The hosts’ defence was out under immediate pressure to start the final term as an off the ball free kick and 50m penalty gave Will Turner a gift from the goal line and some Toussaint brother magic from the centre bounce led to a crumbed goal from Corey Casey.

IK pinned KB in their D50 for an extended period, but to the Giants credit they never stopped giving it everything they had, but the Sea Eagles were just too good. 

The ladder leaders pouring on the goals in the final moments as the rain fell down, Turner kicked his fourth and Casey kicked another soon after the next bounce.

Wyatt then marked and converted for his fourth before a trademark handball chain was completed with a classy finish from Jamieson Soumilas giving the Sea Eagles a comfortable 119-point win. 

The Giants were brave once again on what was a tough run over the last month, they’ve shown definite improvement in 2023 and will look to finish of their season this weekend with a win over Dalyston. 

As for IK, they’ve locked away the minor premiership and will hope to complete their home and away season with an incredible 17-1 record this weekend with a win over local foes Phillip Island.