Slightly overcast conditions, and with sand to ease the mud in the centre circle, are the conditions at Henson Park as the Bombers took on Sydney Uni.
The First Division match was on first, between the only two reserve grade teams in the top 5 in First Division. And from the opening minute, with a quick snap by James Costi, it was clear the Bombers meant business. The midfield was in top form, with the forwards proving effective targets; as the Bombers raced to a 26 point lead at the first change. The Students fought back in the second term, and the Bombers were unable to score a goal - but some resolute defence by the Bombers restricted the Students to 3 goals for the quarter; and ensured the Bombers would lead by 10 points at the long break.
The game tightened in the third quarter, and goals were few and far between. But of the three goals scored, two of them went to the Bombers - to Ash Naylor and Matthew Carpenter. Accurate kicking helped the Bombers' cause, and although the Students had taken one more scoring shot the Bombers held a 14 point lead at three quarter time.
The Students threw everything at the Bombers in the last quarter, but the Bombers were able to stand their ground. And as the game went on, the tide swung further North Shore's way; as the Bombers won the quarter to take out a 21-point victory.
Final Score - North Shore 10.9 (69) def Sydney Uni 6.12 (48)
The Premier Division game started in high-scoring fashion, with the first quarter being a 33-minute 13-goal epic. The Students led throughout, although the Bombers have refused to let the Uni boys get on top; and every time the Students make a move the Bombers were there with a quick reply. The first quarter was entertaining to watch, but finished with the Students 5 points ahead. The high-scoring, free-flowing football continued in the second half; but in the latter stages of the quarter the Students began to dominate around the ground, and the quarter finished with the Bombers having a 30 point deficit.
Two quick goals to open the quarter ignited hopes of the Bombers getting back into the contest, but the land of hope quickly became the slough of despond; as the red-hot Sydney Uni side scored the next 6 goals. Sydney Uni went into the match on the back of an 8-game winning streak, and their sky-high confidence only grew during the third term, and the Bombers were unable to keep up. By the last change the margin had blown out to 56 points.
It was all the Bombers could do to contain the damage, and an relatively even final quarter stopped the percentage blowing out too much. But the final margin of 60 points was our biggest defeat in any grade so far this season; a disappointing loss which puts the Bombers 2 games behind top spot.
Final Score - Sydney Uni 24.10 (154) lead North Shore 14.10 (94)
Last Modified on 05/01/2011 20:15
