SANITY RESTORED. NEARLY WELL MAYBE

Sanity is restored, well sort of for the panthers yesterday. After a gritty 26 point win over arch rivals southport sharks at esplen oval. The panthers choked the life out the game in the last. But their work in the second and third quarter really paved the way to them winning the game of footy. At quarter time it was struggle for both teams, with the sharks having a goal lead and most of the play for that quarter. The older brigade were dominating the contest as well. With Wise ,O'Brien and James running and marking and having a field day. But the panther went about shutting them down and their young back men started to lift and gave plenty of drive for the panthers and they piled 5 goals on and Kent abey was the clear catalyst in leading the panthers back in front. His marking was brilliant and 3 goals in the quarter lifted his confidence and lifted the team. In the third the panthers jumped the sharks, with the midfield starting to dominate and the forwards were given a silver service and 4 goals to none in no time had the panthers a 4 goals lead and looking rather good. But the older brigade of james, O'brien clamped down on the panthers midfield and with some spectacular marks and slotted 3 quick goals and the sharks were back in the contest and looking sharp. But a quick goal from Ferguson put the panthers clear again and a late goal put the sharks within a point of the panthers. It looked like we were going to get a grandstand finish fitting this rivalry. But it just didn't happen for the sharks. The panthers midfield flexed their muscels and took control and with 4 goals to none in the last put the sharks to bed and a record of 1 and 5 and 2 games behind the panthers. The panthers showed plenty of character to win this game of footy. Their big names that have been a bit quiet lately were their best and the younger players were solid and won most contests. Big game next weekend at graham road