The Tathra Sea Eagles have knocked over the Merimbula Diggers to close in on the leaders.
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The competition leading Diggers were handed just their second loss of the year by the Sea Eagles on the Berrabool Oval on Saturday after a gritty battle for possession through the middle.
The Sea Eagles clinched a 12 point win, taking the Diggers down 12-10-82 to 11-4-70.
It was hard to distinguish any dominance in the early portion of play with the Diggers leading out of the first quarter, but the Sea Eagles rallied to take a one point advantage early into the second period of play.
Noah Martyn, Daniel Worden and Dylan Jordan were critical through the middle for the home team, but the Sea Eagles strengthened with the return of Scott Hay and an appearance on the flanks by Chris Dwyer were able to contest well through the middle.
The Diggers appeared to have regained a lot of control later in to the second quarter, with some long range shots on goal earning them an 18-point lead into the main break.
However, a reshuffled Tathra back line saw the visitors return to the contest, holding back some of Merimbula's opportunities.
With less options on goal, it was the Eagles who started turning the tables kicking four goals to two in the third quarter to trail by just two points at the break.
The Diggers were working hard, particularly with some strong effort through the middle and out of the half-back line, but the hosts were simply unable to stop the momentum of the fast-finishing Sea Eagles.
The visitors again fired four goals to two in the last period to clinch the win by two goals.
Despite the loss, the Diggers still remain atop the table with a commanding points lead on the competition.
The Pambula Panthers had a bye over the weekend, but return in round nine to host the Diggers in a local derby at the Pambula Sporting Complex on Saturday.
There will be senior play from 11.50am at the Pambula Beach ground with reserves, women's and the first grade clash scheduled.