The Eden Killer Whales ladies cemented their 2014 minor premiership with a 4-2 win over the Tathra Sea Eagles at Barclay Street on Sunday.
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The win sees them finish the home-away rounds undefeated and locks the team in as premiership favourites.
Eden kicked off first, but it was Tathra that shocked the home side, intercepting the ball and beating the Eden defence with pace to score after only nine seconds of play.
Not to be outdone, the Killer Whales were quick to respond through experienced striker Amber Seckold.
She showed composure in front of goals to open the scoring for the home side.
It was her clever, and accurate, kicking that also sealed the match in the second half.
Midfielder/striking partner Kamilla Grubesic also bagged a double with a through ball from Kate Beaven.
Grubesic found herself in the clear and fired off a cracking shot from outside the 18 yard box.
“The pair will prove invaluable in the Killer Whales attempts to secure consecutive premierships,” coach Debbie Heron said.
Heron said it was a solid performance considering the circumstances.
“We were missing half of our regular backline, plus our goalkeeper Tanya Waites.
“Mel and Kate Mitchell played on through illness and we lost Shyanne Walker before half time with a leg injury.
“So to get away with a win and finish the season with 12 wins from 12 matches was a nice bonus.”
The rallied efforts from players in the backline was a highlight for Heron.
“Captain Kim Peters was inspirational at the back, getting involved in everything and was a clear favourite for players’ player.”
It was a regular strong performance from Seckold, while Beaven stepped up after playing a full round of under 16s.
She played a solid game in the midfield and up front for the Killer Whales.
“We will enjoy a break this weekend, which will give us a good opportunity to regroup from illness and injury before we take on Bega in the major-semi on August 24,” Heron said.
“I’m hopeful we’ll be at full strength by then.
“We should have Bhud Clark back from a fractured cheek bone which she suffered in our 6-0 win over Bega a few weeks ago.”
Heron said it would be a “real boost” to have her back in the line-up as she provides exceptional support out of the sweeper role.
“Whilst we don’t rely on any one player, Bhud is incredibly vocal and provides a lot of leadership and direction from the back,” she said.