Black Diamond Cup - Women's
With cooler conditions in Round 2, we saw some big scorelines as premiership contenders stood tall and made early statements.
Killarney Vale made the trip to Nelson Bay for the midday clash and wasted no time getting to work, kicking the first of their 19 goals within the opening 30 seconds. With strong contributions from Charlotte Connick in the ruck and Annalese Norton through the midfield, Nelson Bay steadied in the second half. However, a seven-goal haul from Mia Wilson and four from Jacqueline Green proved too much, with the Bombers running away convincing winners 19.9 (123) to 1.0 (6).
The Entrance Bateau Bay recorded their first win of the season against newly promoted Maitland Saints. Playing at home, the Blues responded after being held scoreless in the opening term, piling on goals to take control in the third quarter. They finished strongly with four final-term goals to secure a 9.12 (66) to 1.2 (8) victory.
At the other end of the Central Coast, Terrigal Avoca hosted Warners Bay and responded strongly after last week’s loss. The Panthers dominated the first half, kicking 10 goals while keeping the Bulldogs scoreless. Jayda Kennedy, Jade Roughan, Zoe Boxsell, and Elise Annabel all contributed two goals each in the 13.11 (89) to 1.2 (8) win.
Newcastle City travelled to Pasterfield to face a young Cardiff side. The Blues started quickly with three first-quarter goals to lead by 11 points at the first break. Cardiff responded in the third term, holding City goalless, but the Blues lifted again in the final quarter to secure a 7.7 (49) to 2.2 (14) win. Ruby Spark led the way with three goals, while young talent Willow Croft added two.
Black Diamond Cup – Men’s
Round 2 in the Black Diamond Cup Men’s competition delivered both high-scoring games and a thrilling contest at Bateau Bay.
The Entrance Bateau Bay pushed Maitland in a competitive clash, with the Blues looking in control early. However, a five-goal third quarter from the Saints saw them take a narrow lead into the final break. Maitland then finished strongly, kicking four goals to two in the last quarter to secure a 13.6 (84) to 11.6 (72) win. Rhylan Hoffman starred with six goals for the Saints, while Pat Murphy kicked three for the Blues.
Wyong Lakes hosted Killarney Vale in their first home game as a Cup side, but the Bombers proved too strong. Killarney Vale exploded out of the blocks with a 40-point first quarter and never eased up. Nicklaus Stanlan-Velt delivered a standout performance with 11 goals, supported by Brandon Lloyd with seven, in a dominant 29.10 (184) to 1.5 (11) victory.
Terrigal Avoca hosted Warners Bay in another key matchup. After a competitive opening, the game remained within reach at three-quarter time, with just 15 points separating the sides. The Panthers then surged in the final term, kicking five goals to run out winners 13.12 (90) to 7.4 (46).
Newcastle City continued to stamp their authority on the competition with a strong win over Cardiff at Pasterfield. The experienced Blues controlled the contest early, kicking five goals to none in the first half. Max Woodhams and Jordan Dear each kicked three goals in the convincing 14.23 (107) to 1.6 (12) victory, sending Newcastle City to the top of the Black Diamond Cup ladder.
Black Diamond Plate – Men’s
The Entrance Bateau Bay Blues 10.3.63 def Maitland Saints 8.9.57
Terrigal Avoca Panthers 11.12.78 def Warners Bay Bulldogs 4.9.33
Cardiff Hawks 2.3.15 def by Newcastle City Blues 23.16.154
Singleton Roosters 5.5.35 def by Killarney Vale Bombers 15.9.99
Black Diamond Plate – Women’s
Cardiff Hawks def Muswellbrook Cats – Forfeit
Terrigal Avoca Panthers 6.3.39 def Killarney Vale Bombers 5.2.32
University of Newcastle Seahorses 5.2.32 def by Warners Bay Bulldogs 5.8.38
Singleton Roosters 0.0.0 def by Newcastle City Blues 11.14.80
Port Stephens Power 4.1.25 def by Lake Macquarie Dockers 7.12.54
Wyong Lakes Magpies 5.8.38 drew Newcastle City Blues 3rds 6.2.38
Black Diamond Shield – Men’s
Wyong Lakes Magpies 7.4.46 def by Newcastle City Blues 17.10.112
University of Newcastle Seahorses 7.10.52 def by Muswellbrook Cats 11.11.77
Port Stephens Power def Killarney Vale Bombers – Forfeit