The Crows went into the game with the underdog tag after Alex Hills finished the regular season on top of the ladder and the Bombers were playing like premiership favourites early in the game kicking the opening 4 goals of the first term and storming out to a 24 point lead half way through the first quarter. The Crows took 15 minutes to find their feet in the opening term with the eventual steadier coming through the boot of on baller Kyle Smith after Bryce Bodsworth found him open in the forward pocket with a smart switch. League best and fairest Josh Sugden booted another major for the Crows soon after and by quarter time the Crows had steadied to trail the Bombers by 14 points.
The second quarter was very similar to the first with the Bombers controlling the play early on and the Crows finishing with more run and momentum as the quarter progressed. Rose was proving to be a very dangerous option up forward for the Crows and with Bodsworth also providing a strong target around goal the Crows had reduced the margin to 7 points at the main break.
The third term was largely controlled by Alex Hills who threw everything they had at the Crows in a fiery quarter which saw them increase their lead at the end of the 3rd term to what many thought was an unassailable 10.12.72 to 8.9.57 lead.
This Crows team however are the real deal and would not lie down and except defeat even when Alex Hills kicked the second goal of the last quarter to extend their lead to 19 points with only 10 minutes of play remaining. What was to follow in the final 10 minutes of play was remarkable from the Crows as they slammed on 5 straight goals to steal the game with a blistering 6 goal to 1 final quarter. The final score had the Crows premiers 14.9.92 to Alex Hills 11.15.81, an 11 point victory that came in such dramatic fashion.
Rose and Bodsworth were brilliant all day up forward for the Crows booting 4 goals each including the final 2 of the game from Rose’s boot. Rookie rugby recruit Michael Langton was also fantastic all day on the wing while Adams and Harbort were generals across half back. But the lime light once again belonged to Josh Sugden who followed up his League Best and Fairest win with a best on ground performance for the game.
Coach Keith Webb was extremely proud of all the players and stated that he had never seen such a gutsy performance in his entire 25 years of playing, coaching and watching footy. “This win was inspirational and so much credit goes to the 22 man playing group who gave everything they had out there today. They are a special group of young talented athletes and have earned the right to be named this year’s premiers!”
The win is the first ever for the Crows and will hopefully pave the way for many more in years to come. Congratulations to everyone involved on what was a brilliant season for the young men from the Darling Downs. The Crows will have their end of season presentation on Friday 11th September where they will crown their best and fairest and look back at the successful season they endured
Last Modified on 10/03/2010 14:53
