TOP-of-the-table Inverloch Kongwak set up a tantalising clash against second-placed Tooradin Dalmore with a solid home win over Cora Lynn in difficult conditions on Saturday.
With a powerful swirling north-westerly wind proving tricky whether kicking into or against it, Sea Eagles playing coach Tom Hams put the focus on moving the ball by hand where possible.
At the final change, he urged his players to quickly snuff out the Cobras’ sense of hope.

That followed a Cora Lynn goal moments before the three quarter time siren that cut the Sea Eagles’ lead to just two goals.

Inverloch Kongwak took firm control from there, not giving its opponent any meaningful opportunities and adding two last term goals while conceding just a couple of behinds during that period.

Hams praised the disciplined team defence his side delivered throughout the match, particularly noting the contributions of backmen Jarvis Pryor and Michael Eales who between them contained a couple of dangerous Cobra forwards to a goal apiece.

That was the most any Cora Lynn player could manage, with four single goal kickers.

By contrast, Inverloch Kongwak spearhead Toby Mahony booted an impressive five majors and wasn’t shy to let opponents know about it, at one stage getting in the face of Cobra Timothy Payne.
Mahony was the game’s only multiple goal scorer and three of his majors came against the wind.

Hams was pleased with the ability of his charges to overcome injury setbacks during the match and soldier on productively.

“I think it’s the first time we’ve had a few injuries and been down rotations (this season) and I felt it, and it shows our willingness to work for each other and do what we need to do to win,” he said.
The coach gave credit to the opposition.

“They’re a good and dangerous team and will probably make finals this year,” Hams said, driving home the significance of the win for the Sea Eagles.

Pryor was acknowledged as the winner’s best with Clint McCaughan and Bailey Patterson also prominent.

Young Taite Cumming delivered some electrifying moments, reading the play well and taking a strong contested mark for the Sea Eagles during the third term.

“He came out of the Under 18s last year and has been playing key forward for us and he’s a special talent; he’s got all the attributes, jumps high, takes marks and has been fantastic in his first year of senior footy,” Hams said.

The coach felt the Sea Eagles’ ability to do well against the wind was a crucial factor in the victory, with a couple of goals late in the first quarter enabling the side to edge ahead at the opening break and Inverloch managing a competitive third stanza against the breeze.

That set up a final term assault kicking to the town end with the wind.

William Thomas was named best for the competitive but ultimately outgunned Cora Lynn.

Inverloch Kongwak’s win has kept it a game ahead of Tooradin Dalmore, with the Sea Eagles striving to continue their unbeaten 2023 record in round 11.