NELSON Bay Marlins first-grade men’s AFL team has confirmed its finals credentials with another dominant victory in the Hunter Central Coast Black Diamond Senior Men’s Cup.
The rejuvenated Marlins remain entrenched in the top four after slamming Wyong Lakes Magpies 107-53 last Saturday at the Central Coast Regional Sporting Complex.
Skilful forwards Billy Barton, Mitchell Hall and Wayd Blackburne all booted three goals in Nelson Bay’s comprehensive 54-point triumph.
In a slick wet-weather performance, the Marlins posted a total of 14 goals with Tom Warren (2), Sean McGrath, Mackenzie Nelson and Harry Gordon also snaring six-pointers.
Best-on-ground for the talented Nelson Bay lineup were Hall, Gordon, Louis Dews, Nikolas Ellis-Brody, Jayden Baldwin-Rymer and Lachlan Blyth.
The Marlins held a slim 10-7 lead at the end of the first quarter but trailed 28-26 at the half-time break after the Magpies booted three goals to two in the second period.
Nelson Bay regained their ascendency with four goals in the third term to lead 56-47 before finishing strongly with a seven-goal burst in the final quarter to secure their sixth win of the season.
Wyong Lakes were best served by Nathan Doyle, Kai McIntosh-Walsh, Lachlan Rainger, Bryce Mayne, Tom Devlin and skipper Brayden Tos.
Undefeated Newcastle City lead the competition with 10 wins on 40 points followed by Terrigal-Avoca Panthers (36 points), Killarney Vale Bombers (36 points) and Nelson Bay on 24 points.
The Marlins will be chasing another big win this Saturday when they host cellar-dwellers The Entrance Bateau Bay Blues at Dick Burwell Oval from 2pm.
By Chris KARAS
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