INVERLOCH-KONGWAK welcomed back some troops and were near full strength when they travelled down the road to Bass to take on the Panthers on Saturday.
Killy-Bass were up for the fight though, winning centre clearances and surging the ball forward as Nathan Foote and Taylor Gibson looked lively early, combining for some great plays going forward.
The hosts continued to put the pressure on and finally broke through with their first major, off the boot of Gibson, following a brilliant coast to coast passage.
The Sea Eagles looked as though they were going to blow the Panthers off the park throughout the first term, although struggled with accuracy, kicking just one goal and eight behinds, taking a slim five-point lead into quarter time.
IK lifted their play around the ground to kick off the second term but continued to frustrate the Sea Eagle faithful with more skill errors, particularly in front of goal, it was as though the whole team had ‘the yips’.
The hosts took great advantage of IK’s uncharacteristic lack of polish and increased the heat on the ball, as the contest became quite fiery.
The visitors started up the third quarter in sensational fashion, winning the centre clearance thanks to some slick work from Marcus and Oscar Toussaint and gun recruit Ethan Park.
The hosts kept pressing hard and were keen on making the premiership contending Sea Eagles work for every last possession.
Although try as they might to score, they just could not seem to get past Michael Eales in defence for IK, tackling with ferociousness and intercepting everything that came his way.
The hosts were being led by the dominance of Dale Gawley, who was giving them everything, showing he is a real weapon in the ruck, as his running ability and skills make him more likened to a ‘fourth midfielder’.
IK continued to gather plenty of footy, but just could not put their opponents away, their inaccuracy still affecting them throughout the third term.
Toby Mahoney slotted his first for IK as they extended their lead to 44 in rainy conditions at three quarter time.
The final term started with a rough contest inside as neither side scored through the first five minutes.
Although the third placed IK finally found their groove, moving the ball untouched from the back pocket for another major.
Lewis Rankin was huge for IK, holding Panther’s spearhead Gibson to just one goal as the Sea Eagles ran away with a 61-point victory.
They’ll look to carry this momentum into their next matchup with Garfield at home, while Kilcunda-Bass will hope to claim another victory in Bunyip in round 16.
