THE NELSON Bay Marlins have returned to the winners list in the 2026 AFL Hunter Central Coast Black Diamond Senior Mens Cup competition.
After a 40-point loss to second-ranked Terrigal Avoca Panthers the previous week, the Marlins rebounded with strength last Saturday and posted a 15.11 (101) to 8.4 (52) victory over the Cardiff Hawks at Dick Burwell Oval.
It was the club’s third win from five fixtures this season and lifts the team into fifth spot on the competition table with 12 points. This places them behind undefeated leaders Newcastle City (20 points), Terrigal Avoca and Killarney Vale Bombers (16), and Warners Bay Bulldogs (12).
Nelson Bay kicked three goals in the opening quarter to lead 21-1 and held a 41-32 advantage at the half-time break.
They held a six point lead (51-45) at the end of the third term before booting eight goals in the final quarter to finish on a strong note.
The Marlins were best served by Sam Norton, Hudson Roche, five-goal hero Tom Warren, Jayden Baldwin-Rymer, Tim Anderson, Noah Connick, experienced campaigner Wayd Blackburne (four goals) and representative forward and skipper Billy Barton (three goals).
There was no joy for the Nelson Bay Marlins womens team, which suffered a 10.9 (69) to 2.1 (13) loss to Cardiff Hawks in the Black Diamond Senior Womens Cup.
Best on ground for the Marlins were Annalise Norton, Charlotte Connick, Kelly van Donselaar, Keira Mamotte, Milla Gainsford and Olivia Feldman.
By Chris KARAS
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