The women struggled against a tenacious Warners Bay Bulldogs in the first half and were left goal-less. The side regrouped for the second half and went on to win by 13 points.

Final scores were Nelson Bay 3.7.25 to Warners Bay 2.0.12.

Sophie Balcombe, Laney Hessels and Kate Holland kicked Nelson Bay’s goals.

The Marlins best players in a very tight game were the consistent Balcombe, Hessels and Holland plus Natasha Flint, Priscilla Albers and Hayley West.

This Saturday, the Marlins head to Rose Point Park in Singleton to play the Roosters, with first bounce at 11am.

In the Black Diamond Cup, the Nelson Bay Marlins went down to the Warners Bay Bulldogs by 32 points.

Final scores were Warners Bay 14.8.92 to Nelson Bay 9.5.59.

James Bellman was the Marlins’ most consistent player on the day, racking up the possessions and proving a steady influence on the ball and across the half-back line.

Aaron Clayden was lively in the forward line for Nelson Bay, giving the Warners Bay defenders headaches all day.

Regular contributors Luke Price, Jayden Rymer and Scott Youl were also solid in a disappointing loss, hampered by late withdrawals due to injuries and work commitments.

Coach Sean McGrath mentioned that the Marlins had 13 changes from their last game, not helping the team’s preparation and continuity.

McGrath was happy with James Bellman and Clayden’s performances.

McGrath stated that Clayden had the flu and got himself out of bed to play the game. McGrath was happy with the team’s last quarter and will use that effort as a springboard for next week’s game at home to the second-placed Terrigal Avoca Panthers.

Clayden kicked four goals for the Marlins, assisted by Youl with two majors.

Next week Nelson Bay return home to Dick Burwell Oval to play Terrigal Avoca. First Bounce is scheduled for 2pm.

Nelson Bay’s second division side had the bye. This Saturday the side hosts The Entrance Bateau Bay, with game time scheduled for 12 noon.