STEEL, courage and resolve are three words synonymous with the Nelson Bay Marlins’ first grade men’s AFL team.
Those who attended last Saturday’s Hunter Central Coast Senior Men’s Cup elimination final between the rapidly improving Marlins and Warners Bay Bulldogs at Pasterfield Sports Complex can vouch for that.
In a finals thriller, the Nelson Bay warriors prevailed 67-58 – booting their ninth goal in the final 20 seconds to secure a morale-boosting victory.
The mighty Marlins staved off a determined Bulldogs challenge to set up a grand final-qualifier clash with undefeated minor premiers Newcastle City this Saturday at Rutherford’s Max McMahon Oval.
Nelson Bay demonstrated true grit and spirit to sink the tenacious Bulldogs in an absorbing contest.
Warners Bay kicked three goals in the opening quarter and restricted the Marlins to four behinds to establish an 18-4 lead at the first break.
In typical style, the combative Marlins hit back with four goals in the second quarter as both sides went to the half-time interval locked at 31-all.
The stout-hearted Bulldogs rallied in the third term, posting three goals and two behinds to grab a narrow 51-46 lead and set up a grandstand finish.
Nelson Bay lifted in the final quarter and were resolute in defence as they worked their way downfield and booted two crucial goals to grab a 61-52 lead.
Star forward Riley Hawes kept Warners Bay in the hunt when he kicked his third goal of the match to bridge the gap to three points in the closing stages.
With time just about up the Marlins rammed home their advantage with a late six-pointer to book a semi final showdown with the all-conquering Newcastle City.
Trump card Wayd Blackburne booted four goals for the Marlins in a top display with half forward Mitchell Hall (2), centre Tom Warren, follower Adam Grant and full forward Sam Carruthers among the goal scorers.
Nelson Bay go into this Saturday’s knockout clash brimming with confidence after nearly upsetting the premiership favourites in a 60-57 loss last month at Newcastle’ s No 1 Sportsground.
There was no joy for the Marlins’ senior women’s team as they bowed out after a 95-6 loss to Cardiff Hawks in a lopsided elimination final.
Industrious centre Amy Steele, followers Annalise Norton, Jazlyn Stevens and Bella Hol, half back Evie Hol and inspirational fullback Olivia Feldman tried hard for a courageous Nelson Bay side that was outclassed on the day.
By Chris KARAS
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