Vital win for the Panthers as ladder battle continues

KILCUNDA-BASS claimed a 10-point victory following a close battle with the Warragul Industrials on Saturday.

Regardless, the war for sixth spot on the ladder wages on, as a win for Inverloch-Kongwak against Koo Wee Rup sent the Panthers back into seventh.

It is likely sixth will be decided in the final round of the season.

The Panthers travelled to Warragul’s Western Park, where it was close all day, but they managed to get the job done.

Kilcunda-Bass kicked the first goal of the game, but the Dusties gave a strong response and kicked the next three.

The Panthers thought they might be in trouble but went on to kick the next three goals to be ahead at quarter time.

Both sides took the second quarter to figure out each other’s game plan, as the game was still in the balance.

The Panthers were 15 points ahead at the 26-minute mark, which gave them a sense of comfort moving into halftime.

However, a late surge from the Dusties saw two more goals kicked before the halftime siren, leaving a mere three-point margin at the long break.

Three goals to four were kicked in the third quarter, giving the Panthers a slight edge.

The quarter itself was played on equal footing, as both sides gave as much as the other.

The Panthers got on top of the Dusties in terms of stoppages and clearances, which gave them quicker use of the ball and more forward entries.

For the Panthers, Travis Tuck led the goal kicking charge with seven for the game.

Due to an ankle injury, Tuck sat forward for most of the game but spurred on the team through the middle in the final quarter. 

Tim Gunn kicked four and Anthony Daraio kicked three.

With 10-points in it, the fourth quarter was go-go-go from the first bounce.

The Panthers had to play a controlled final quarter to ensure it would win the game, but it was a thrilling finish as both sides kicked five goals each.

The Dusties had an issue with accuracy, which played into the Panthers’ favour.

Kilcunda-Bass kept its 10-point margin and took home the valuable four points.

The Panthers will have a bye this week, as Inverloch-Kongwak has a crack at the Dusties.

A win for the Sea Eagles will see the fight for finals go down to the wire as the Sea Eagles take on Phillip Island and the Panthers play Garfield in the last round of the season.

The Panthers are hopeful Garfield will be a winnable game, but will go into the match as if it’s a final.