Sea Eagles swoop in

INVERLOCH-Kongwak will compete in the semi-final after defeating Tooradin-Dalmore in a nailbiter on Sunday.

The second elimination final was played at the Bass Recreation Reserve and the game down to the wire.

The wind was favouring one end and Inverloch-Kongwak kicked with the wind in the first quarter.

However, the Sea Eagles were unable to make the most of the wind advantage and gave away a two-point lead at quarter time.

Tooradin-Dalmore played exceptionally well against the wind and Inverloch-Kongwak had to maintain its focus to keep the scores close.

The Sea Eagles played a good second quarter and held Tooradin-Dalmore to a manageable margin while it had the wind advantage.

Luke Johnson played an impressive defensive game. 

Johnson took more than 10 intercept marks throughout the day, playing his best game of the season by far. 

Although he was a crucial backman on the day, he was moved forward during the second quarter to execute a man-on-man defence strategy.

During this quarter, he took a big contested mark and kicked a goal as a reward. 

Midfielders Andy Soumilas, Ethan Park, Jordan Tomas, Will Turner and Nick Baltas also played important roles.

Baltas kicked two goals to be Inverloch-Kongwak’s leading goal kicker on the day. 

Conditions were pretty warm out on the field and both sides needed to adjust with the second half still to come.

The third quarter produced more tight contests, but Inverloch-Kongwak managed to nudge its way in front.

With one point in it, the excitement grew amongst the crowd.

Inverloch-Kongwak came out hard in the fourth quarter to find itself two goals up.

However, controversy struck when Tooradin-Dalmore kicked a goal that appeared to hit the post.

The goal was counted – a decision that upset one of Inverloch-Kongwak’s players.

This player gave away a free kick – which resulted in another goal – and was carded.

The scores were now even again and Inverloch-Kongwak only had 17 players on the ground with 10 minutes to go.

Jim Soumilas kicked the match-winner.

Keeping cool under pressure, Soumilas snapped the goal from the 35 out on the side – awarding Inverloch-Kongwak a five-point win.

It was a huge effort from Inverloch-Kongwak in the last quarter and the game was played with a lot of heart.

Inverloch-Kongwak’s finals campaign continues with the semi-final against Nar Nar Goon, to be played at Cora Lynn Recreation Reserve next Sunday.

Nar Nar Goon has been a challenge for Inverloch-Kongwak all season and the Sea Eagles are expecting a good battle.