Seesaw showdown goes Emus’ way

A clash of the titans has seen the Bidyadanga Emus keep their undefeated streak alive and break the Cable Beach Greenbacks in the process.

The Emus and the Greenbacks were undefeated going into the match-up as they battled to determine mid-season supremacy.

From the outset, it was clear the Greenbacks wanted to keep their streak going with a goal from Matthew Kennelly in the match’s opening minute.

However, the contest would soon enter a stalemate with both teams putting the pressure on early.

After a string of behinds for both teams, the Emus took the lead with goals from Angelo Thomas and Courtney Thomas, putting them up 2.2 (14) to 1.1 (7) at the break.

The second quarter saw the Emus read the ball well against the Greenbacks, triggering turnovers but Greenbacks’s Kiefer Yu broke though.

Kicking accuracy was an issue for the Greenbacks as the team started kicking a number of behinds or were unable to kick the ball to a teammate.

As the Emus stepped up the defensive pressure, they extended their lead with a goal from Dane Roberton.

This prompted a late burst from the Greenbacks to try to remain in contention. Brad Ward stepped up to put his team four points ahead of the Emus at half-time.

Following the main break, it seemed the contest would once again reach a stalemate as both teams fought hard to get the lead.

After Bidyadanga’s Jayden Thomas brought his team to just one point behind the Greenbacks, Cable Beach began stepping up in defence.

The reinforced defensive efforts saw the Greenbacks extend their lead with goals from Yu and Jarras Sailor, earning themselves a 16-point advantage at three-quarter time.

The final quarter was where the Emus staged a magnificent comeback and stunned spectators.

Tremaine Bumba began the final term with a goal just 27 seconds in, bringing the Emus within 10 points.

The comeback continued with a goal from Courtney Thomas, bringin the margin down to four points.

The Greenbacks quickly responded with a goal from Sam Fong.

The blockbuster quarter soon ground to a halt when Emus’ player Zarim Hunter was issued a red card for striking Greenback Yu in the head.

Despite the red card issue, the Emus did not lose their cool as Leighton Brolga brought his team back to a four-point deficit.

Although the Greenbacks attempted to respond again to keep their lead alive, a last-gasp goal from Selwyn Hunter sealed the two-point victory for the Emus in a nail-biter of a finish.

The Emus will strive for an eighth consecutive win when they go up against reigning premiers Looma Eagles on Saturday, while the Greenbacks will attempt to bounce back when they take to the field in a game against Towns.