Midfield movements to the front lines aided the Pambula Panthers in getting over the Bermagui Breakers on Saturday.
The Panthers held a 40-point margin over the hosts to win 16-12-108 to 9-6-60 at Bermagui’s Dickinson Oval.
Johnno Di Donato was the front-runner for the Panthers in a rampant scoring effort, piling on five goals for the visiting side.
Panthers frontman Sean Smith was also accurate with the boot to kick three majors, while club veteran Ian Smith proved handy to put two six-pointers on the board.
The Panthers burst out of the gate quickly with the midfield dominating clearances and pushing play forward.
The early points came thick and fast, while the Breakers were trying to eek out some possession and make an attack.
The hosts got very little of the ball, and even less in the front lines as the team limped to the first quarter break with just a single behind on the board.
The second quarter provided a scoring frenzy though as the Breakers shot back into contention, piling on 34 points in the period.
The Panthers too were well in the scoring opportunities and earned themselves almost 20 points to hold a narrow lead at the main break.
The Panthers got back to their game plan in the third quarter and took control of play, locking the Breakers down to just seven points in the third quarter.
Meanwhile, the visitors extended their lead to about 30 points in a dominant display from the mid and flankers.
Stephen Butterworth and the Tucker brothers both kicked majors, while Mitch Bucholtz put one between the big sticks in a good showing.
A 30-point buffer had opened up for the visiting club by the third quarter break and the Panthers kicked away in the final period to extend that lead to 40 points and comfortably secure the win.
Earlier, the women’s side went down to the Breakers in testing conditions.
A spokeswoman for the club said the Breakers had played a better brand of football to control play throughout the match.
The Panthers trailed by almost 20 at the main break, but an excellent showing in the third quarter put them just a few points behind.
In an unheard of decision at three-quarter time, play was resumed with both teams still in talks with their coach.
The ball was bounced on an empty field with an ensuing sprint for possession favouring the hosts.
The spokeswoman said the Panthers were demoralised by the move as the Breakers began to pile on more points in the final stanza.
The final score put the Breakers in front 7-4-46 to 3-1-19.
Jacob McMaster
I am passionate about amplifying people's stories and trying to do them justice in the written word. I find pressure washing videos soothing. email me jacob.mcmaster@austcommunitymedia.com.au or 0406 212 845.
I am passionate about amplifying people's stories and trying to do them justice in the written word. I find pressure washing videos soothing. email me jacob.mcmaster@austcommunitymedia.com.au or 0406 212 845.
