The Merimbula Diggers kicked two late goals to seal the Sapphire Coast AFL under 16s premiership over the Bermagui Breakers 9.5 (59) to 7.5 (47).
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The match was played in a heavy breeze, and Merimbula’s ability to take advantage of that breeze in the second quarter ended up being the difference in a tight game.
Merimbula kicked the first goal of the match, but it was all Bermagui for the rest of the first quarter, as they piled on three goals to lead by 14 points at the first break.
The wind picked up during quarter time, turning a skill- based game into a territorial game in a matter of minutes.
The Diggers had the wind in the second quarter, and they used it to perfection with a number of long kicks putting the Bermagui defence under pressure.
Merimbula kicked four goals to one in the second quarter, including quick back-to-back goals late to lead by five points at half time.
Bermagui couldn’t utilise the wind in the third quarter, as they often struggled to read the flight of the ball both in attack and defence.
The Breakers did eventually hit the lead through youngster Campbell Moresi, who slotted a beauty from just outside 50.
Merimbula got the lead back in the shadows of three-quarter time though, as a free kick gave Kaylib Balice an easy shot from directly in front to maintain a five-point break at the final change.
The match stayed tight in the final quarter, as both sides struggled with the ever-increasing wind.
The Diggers kicked the first of the quarter to open up a small break, but the Diggers hit back with two goals, including a great snap from Scott Parsons, to tie the game with less than three minutes remaining.
The Diggers hit back quickly, as they found enough space inside their attacking 50 to kick an important goal.
Bermagui needed the centre clearance, but Merimbula managed to get their hands on the footy, and won a free kick inside 50 to seal the game.
Merimbula’s Jedd Martyn won his second-straight best-on-ground award for his fantastic play inside defensive 50.