Flyers hold Lions at bay

Photo: Carlisle Photography

AS Nambucca Valley was coming home at a rate of knots in the last quarter, the nerves of the Port Flyers coach were on edge.

Mark Proctor admitted after a tense finish that saw the Flyers hold on for a thrilling 3 point victory that in the dying moments he was struggling to keep his cool.

“I’ve lost my fingernails and I think I lost my nerve as well,” Proctor said.

It was a situation that 15 minutes earlier seemed unlikely as the Flyers held what looked like an insurmountable 29 point lead at the final break.

Whatever it was that was said to the Lions at three-quarter time certainly did the trick as Nambucca Valley slammed on five goals in the last term to get within a kick of victory.

Reese Legend was the star of the day for the Lions and she booted three majors in the pulsating final quarter to take her personal tally to five and earn the medal for being the best player on the ground for her team.

Proctor said it was nothing but good old fashioned teamwork that saw the Flyers win.

“They’re a champion team. They had a very simple plan and it was just support each other. Communication and support each other because we’re nothing without each other,” he said.

For the Lions, they were left wishing that the fourth quarter lasted for just two more minutes after what had been a sensational season from the minor premier.

PORT FLYERS 2.1 4.4 7.7 8.7 (55)

NAMBUCCA VALLEY 1.2 1.5 2.8 7.10 (52)

Best on Ground Medals: Edward Redfern (Port Flyers) and Reese Legend (Nambucca Valley)

MATCH REPLAY

> > > Click here to see a recording of the Live Stream of the match

SEASON AWARD WINNERS

Best & Fairest: Brenton Mance (Port Swoopers)

Runner-Up Best & Fairest: Miller Baade (Nambucca Valley)

Rising Star: Zane Guthrie (Coffs Breakers)