Grant Burkinshaw, holding his son Leroy, and Wayne McKenzie run through the banner in celebration their 150th SCAFL games for the Merimbula Diggers.
Rick Harding’s defensive work for the Diggers was a highlight of the game against the Narooma Lions.
Wayne McKenzie (Merimbula Diggers) flies over his Narooma opponent to spoil.
The Merimbula Diggers Reserves recorded a strong seven-goal win over the Narooma Lions on Saturday at the Berrambool Oval, Merimbula, to set up a qualifying clash against ladder leaders Batemans Bay.
The first quarter proved to be an even contest with both sides applying great tenacity in their attack on the football and the Diggers managed to sneak ahead by only a three-point margin at the break.
Rick Harding for the Diggers continued to repel many of the forward thrusts from the persistent Lions players by great marking judgement and accurate disposal of the football.
The Merimbula Diggers forward line took advantage of the strong defensive efforts to kick several goals to stretch their lead at the halftime break to 22 points.
A battle of defences with intense tackling that only allowed quick disposal of the football was the highlight of the third quarter. Dan Edwards asserted his experienced control around the ground to guide his Diggers team onwards towards victory.
Dave Thompson was influential in a four-quarter effort both at ground level and in the air to ensure many opportunities for scoreboard pressure.
The pace of Jed Simpson and Brayden Macdonald broke open the game with some exhilarating runs. Overall the Merimbula Diggers Reserves produced an evenly balanced team performance which finally outclassed a gallant Narooma Lions outfit to win by 39 points and cemented an oncoming clash against the top side, Batemans Bay, in the qualifying final.
Congratulations to Wayne McKenzie and Grant Burkinshaw on playing their 150th game for the Merimbula Diggers. Final scores: Merimbula Diggers 10.7.67 defeated Narooma Lions 4.4.28.