SAPPHIRE COAST
AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE
SCAFL 2005 Merimbula RSL Premiership Season
Round 17 - 13 August, 2005
The long held theory that the final quarter of a match is the "Premiership Quarter" rang true on Saturday, when Tathra faced off with Narooma in the top of the table clash. With just one more round to go before the finals series, this would have been a great opportunity for either side to stake its claim for favouritism and having led halfway through the third quarter, Narooma might have fancied their chances. But with powerhouse player, Luke Moresi, off the field for the final quarter, Narooma had no answer to a clinical Tathra outfit in the final 15 minutes. Pambula delivered Batemans Bay its second loss in as many weeks, while the Marlins were too strong for Eden.
In the Reserves, Eden were much too strong for an undermanned Marlins outfit and Tathra continued to show why they are favourites for the second year running with a demolision of Narooma. Tomago River saw their chances of a Finals berth all but disappear at the hands of the Diggers, while reigning Premiers, Batemans Bay, had a closer win at Pambula.
The rampaging Eden Under 17's continue to impress with another demolision job on the weekend, this time the victims were Eden. Tathra are still looking to the future as their younger side was again well beaten, but this time by Pambula
Meanwhile in the 15's, Eden defeated the Marlins and the Tathra side returned to form with a win over Narooma. While the Pambula juggernaut continued on its merry way with a shellacking of the Diggers.
In the Under 13's,Pambula were comfortable winners against the Diggers, Eden prevailed over the Marlins and the Tathra Juniors made it 4 out of five for the Sea Eagles. Players who stood out in the 13's included Liam Brogan (Narooma), Warrick Fell (Tathra), Daniel Preston (Eden), Tyson Jones (Marlins), James Wheeler (Pambula) and Alex Hammond (Digger). Speaking of the Diggers Under 13's, there is a slight mystery that needs solving, as each week the Diggers Teamsheet has the statement "Poodles are the Best!" Are the Diggers looking at changing their name?
Tathra 12.18.90 defeated Narooma 7.11.53
Narooma looked like Premiership contenders for three of the four quarters on Saturday, but with some big name players off the field for the last quarter was it possible that some gamesmanship was involved? Tathra however showed why they look good for the finals, but any questions will be answered this week when Pambula face Narooma. Tathra were also without Andrew Browne, the Leagues highest Goal Scorer this year as he holidays in W.A.
Marlins 13.7.85 defeated Eden 8.14.62
In a match that had no bearing on the Finals race, it was interesting to note that Pride was definitely on the line. Perhaps even more so, as the Marlins prepare for the deferred Round 12 clash with the Diggers this week. The Marlins let the Eden side back into the last quarter and if they do the same next week against the Diggers, then they may lose the chance to secure bragging rights for the off season
Pambula 13:15.93 defeated Batemans Bay 6.5.41
Pambula showed why they are equal first on points with Tathra with another good win, but this time over the Fourth Placed Batemans Bay. It has been said that the Bay do not travel well, but everyone is certain of one fact, they play good Finals footie and on their day can beat anyone of the three teams above them. But on this performance, they will need to lift substantially to make an impact on this years finals. Pambula on the other hand look for all money as the team most likely to face Tathra in the Grand Final, presuming Tathra make it of course.
Diggers 11.4.70 Defeated Tomago River 5.6.36
Tomago River Reserves were in need of a win if they were to have any chance of making the Finals at their first attempt, but it seems as if the fairytale will not come true this year as they were dominated by a hungry Diggers unit. The Diggers will be looking past next weeks Derby against the Marlins, towards the 1st Final against Eden at Narooma.
So with one round to play the Finals shape looks a bit clearer, with the 1st Semi Final at Narooma. In the Seniors, it will be between Narooma (3rd) and Batemans Bay (4th). Reserves will see the Diggers (3rd) V Eden (4th).
In the Under 17's Diggers (3rd) face Tathra (4th).
The 15's will see an interesting battle this week as Narooma must beat Pambula to keep Tathra out. If Pambula win, Tathra, who have the bye this week, will take 4th spot and face the Marlins.
The 13's if the Marlins beat the Diggers, then the Whalers will snatch 4th but either way Eden or the Diggers will face 3rd placed Narooma.
One week to go and what a week it looks like being... so go on, get yourself to the footie.
ROUND 18 - SATURDAY, 20 AUGUST, 2005
Ground Seniors Reserves Under 17's Under 15's/13's
Pambula Pambula v Narooma Pambula v Narooma Pambula v Diggers Pambula v Narooma
Eden Eden v Batemans Bay Eden v Batemans Bay
Tathra Tathra v Tomago Tathra v Tomago
Berrambool Merimbula v Diggers Merimbula v Diggers Merimbula v Diggers
Bye Tathra Eden Tathra, Eden
For further information contact;
Rob Colligan
Secretary/Manager
Sapphire Coast AFL
PO Box 576, Merimbula NSW 2548
Tel : 02 6494-1888
Email :
scafl@netspace.net.au
Last Modified on 20/08/2005 08:51