Fortunately, Romy Hewson and Nick Hickey came in the men’s second division side to help out, in the battle between the fourth placed Strikers and the third placed visitors.

Tim Jordan and Romy started the game as the central defence pairing, and they worked excellently together to disposses and distribute the ball through the mids of Dave Marchant, Lachie Mcrae, Kippa Herring and Ben Honeywood.

The ensuing interplays onto the forwards of Matt Bishop and the ever running Nathan Stapleton, had Sawtell on the back foot from the start.

Dylon Grogan and Brandon Gregory held the raids down the flanks and many times turned defence into attack, and the chances started to come for Nambucca.

As the subs came on, the Strikers moved up a gear and they had Sawtell in their sites when the visitors Sawtell had two undealt with goals in a matter of minutes.

Again, Nambucca went two down, and yet again, they rallied and lifted, when they could have folded. They recomposed to regain the possession for the rest of the half with many chances narrowly missing.

The Strikers second half was nothing short of dominant, as the ball rarely crossed into their half, and wave after wave of attack beseiged the Sawtell goal.

Andy Cannon came on out wide right and opened up the Scorpions defence, and the ensuing pressure saw Blake Ryan steal in at the far post to smack one in.

Nambucca should have added to their tally as the match wore on and Sawtell tired.

A 2-1 loss is not the result the Strikers needed, nor did they deserve, for the excellent play all over the park.

On Saturday the Strikers are away to Boambee.