For the second time this season, Nelson Bay and Cardiff produced a thriller of a game in the Black Diamond AFL.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Both teams kicked two goals in the second half of Saturday’s game, played at Dick Burwell Oval, after being tied 6.8 (44) apiece at the long break.
Cardiff held on to win by a mere four points, with final scores being Cardiff 8.19 (67) to Nelson Bay 8.15 (63).
It is also the third time this year the Marlins premier men’s team have lost a game by 10 points or less, which has prevented them from challenging for a top two position on the ladder.
They currently sit in third position, three wins behind second placed Cardiif, who have won four games this year by 10 points or less.
Best players for the Marlins were Elliott Davey Medallist Jayden Rymer, Louis Dews, Chris and Jeremy Eddy, Billy Barton and skipper Tim Divall.
Representative player Todd Thornton and veteran Aaron Clayden both kicked two goals each for the Marlins.
Next week, the Marlins have the toughest task in the Black Diamond Cup – face an undefeated Terrigal Avoca side at East Gosford.
Meanwhile, in the women’s competition, Nelson Bay remain unbeaten after eight rounds.
The Marlins women had a comfortable win over Maitland on Saturday.
The final score was Nelson Bay 16.11 (107) to Maitland 1.0 (6).
Lisa Steane and Lauren Cooper both kicked three goals for the Marlins.
The Smyth sisters, Eliza and Pippa, both managed two goals, as did Jess Phillips.
Nelson Bay’s best players were Jemma Astley, Samantha Rickwood, Steane, Megan Walmsley, Hayley West and Christie Mudd.
Nelson Bay and Maitland play the reverse fixture at Max McMahon Oval in Rutherford on Saturday, with first bounce at 10am.
In reserve grade, the Marlins had the round eight bye.