After a cold week, a touch of overnight rain softened Olds Park; but the Bombers were greeted to blue skies and a biting cold sooutherly buster as the Under 18s were first up against the Dragons.
Kicking with the wind in the first quarter, the Bombers moved the ball well around the ground to hold a 16-point lead at the first change. The second quarter was a solid defensive effort. Kicking into the wind, the Bombers kept the home side to a single goal, while kicking one themselves; and at half time the lead was 12 points.
The wind had died down by the start of the second half. The Dragons came out fighting, peppering the goals; but the Bomber defence held firm. Luck was on the Bombers' side, with the Dragons missing some easy shots, but the Bombers steadied and a goal with 20 seconds to go gave our young Bombers some breathing space, a 13 point lead and, against the run of play, winning the quarter.
But St George had been dominating possession and dominating play, and the Bombers could only hold out the tide for so long. The last quarter belonged to the Dragons, and eventually they would take the lead. North Shore had a chance to steal the game at the death, but the shot sailed wide.
Final Socre - St George 6.18 (54) def North Shore 8.4 (52)
The senior game started as a low-scoring affair, with both sides defending strongly. In particular the Bombers' defence was in great form in the early stages, with the Bombers leading by 9 points at quarter time. The second quarter wasn't pretty early, with both sides defensively minded. Midway through the quarter the ball was camped on the Dragons' forward line, but the Bombers weathered the storm and during time-on the tide began to turn our way. Two late goals extended the Bombers' advantage to 21 points at the long break.
The third quarter was one of fluctuating fortunes. After two goals in the opening three minutes, the Bombers threatened to run away with the contest; but the Dragons hit back. Three quick St George goals cut the margin to 15 points, but the Bomber defence again stood up and were counted. And again in time-on the momentum swung back in North Shore's favour, Evan Davis snapping truly to give the Bombers a 23 point lead at the last change.
The Dragons kicked the first goal in the final quarter, but their resistance could last no further. As the final quarter went on, the Bombers stood up and dominated the latter stages of the contest; kicking the last four goals to take out a 40-point win.
Final Score - North Shore 13.9 (87) def St George 7.5 (47)
The reserves played in a twilight match at Macquarie Uni. The Warriors had the better of early play, but poor kicking kept the Bombers in the contest; and the Warriors led by a point at half time.
It was a low-scoring contest, and remained close throughout. Late in the third quarter the Bombers hit the front, but a goal after the siren restored the lead for the home side by 5 points at the last change. It was again goal for goal in the final term, with the Bombers leading with 5 minutes to go. But the Warriors, with two late goals, took the contest by 11 points.
Final Score - Macquarie Uni 10.11 (71) lead North Shore 9.6 (60)
Last Modified on 05/01/2011 20:14
