NELSON Bay Marlins showed pundits that they are right in the AFL Hunter Central Coast Black Diamond Senior Mens Cup finals mix after an enthralling five-point loss to Killarney Vale Bombers at Dick Burwell Oval last weekend.
The third-ranked Bombers edged out a spirited Marlins lineup 9.10 (64) to 8.11 (59) in a crackerjack duel that augurs well for the end-of-season finals series.
In one of the best contests to date in the 2026 competition, the fourth-ranked Marlins produced a rousing second half performance against their talented rivals only to fall short in their epic showdown.
Nelson Bay trailed 24-11 and 45-25 in the opening two stanzas before booting four goals in the third term to trail 54-49.
Both teams kicked a goal in the final quarter with the Bombers staving off a fierce Marlins challenge to claim victory and bragging rights.
Sam Carruthers led the Nelson Bay charge with three crucial goals and was supported by Adam Blyth, Hudson Roche, Sam Norton, Tim Anderson, Harry Gordon and Jayden Baldwin-Rymer, who kicked two important goals in the pressure-cooker atmosphere.
Despite the loss the Marlins remain in fourth spot on 20 points – 16 behind undefeated runaway leaders Newcastle City (36 points), Terrigal Avoca Panthers and Killarney Vale (28 points).
Nelson Bay has a bye this weekend before facing the Wyong Lakes Magpies on Saturday July 18 at Don Small Oval from 2pm.
In Senior Womens Cup action the undefeated Bombers proved too strong for Nelson Bay 100-7 at Dick Burwell Oval.
The competitive Marlins were best served by Isabella Hol, Evie Hot, Charlotte Connick, Tori Borg, Ella Toscano and young gun Olivia Feldman.
By Chris KARAS
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