Sea Eagles win in close call

A NAILBITER between Inverloch-Kongwak and Dalyston ultimately resulted in a 44-point win on Saturday.

Miserable conditions was the order of the day, and the old rivals battled it out at the Inverloch Recreation Reserve.

Dalyston captain Kurt Thomas was celebrating his 150th Senior game.

Thomas is a product of Dalyston’s junior program, rising through the ranks from the U11s.

This is Thomas’ first year as captain and the club was pleased to have him take on the responsibility. 

He has stepped up his game and has played an exceptional season in 2024. 

A howling wind determined the flow of play in the first half. 

The Sea Eagles won the toss and kicked with the wind in the first quarter, allowing them to gain a 19 point lead and keep Dalyston scoreless.

A downpour in the opening quarter added to the difficulty but the Sea Eagles handled the ball well.

Jarvis Harvey kicked the first two goals of the game and went on to kick four for the day.

Switching ends, Dalyston fought back and controlled most of the play in the second term.

The weather progressively began to improve and Inverloch-Kongwak adjusted by tightening its defence.

Luke Johnson controlled the backline, along with young guns Jacob Strickland and Jasper Kempster. 

Inverloch-Kongwak managed a goal before the halftime siren, which kept it in front.

Inverloch Kongwak’s midfield increased its intensity in the third quarter, allowing the Sea Eagles to get more of a look in the forward line.

Dalyston ensured it was difficult for the Sea Eagles to score, limiting some of the damage.

Dalyston also had a solid, reliable back line with Ben Lewis listed in the Magpies’ best for his efforts.

Fraser West joined Lewis on the backline and gave a great performance.

Onballer Kyle Kirk adjusted to the conditions well and was in and under everything all day. 

Young player Jacob McRae played a variety of crucial roles for Dalyston throughout the game.

The first year Dalyston player gave it his all and also earned a place in the Magpies’ best. 

Inverloch-Kongwak wasn’t able to convert all its opportunities, adding four behinds to the tally.

With Dalyston kicking with the wind in the fourth quarter, it was still anyone’s game.

Dalyston went in hard and had the Sea Eagles on the ropes, coming within 10-points.

However, with the wind starting to die off, the Sea Eagles seized the opportunity to showcase its superior skill and powered home with a five-goal haul.

Inverloch-Kongwak will play against Cora Lynn next week.

Cora Lynn is sitting on top of the ladder and has not lost a game since facing Inverloch-Kongwak in round one, so the Sea Eagles are looking forward to the challenge.

Dalyston will play Bunyip and is hopeful that if it can put on another strong performance like it has against top sides during the last couple of weeks it could come away with a win.