The finals series is here, and Blackton Olympic Park was bathed in glorious sunshine as our young Bombers took on Sydney Uni to start the playoff action.
With the pressure increased in the playoffs, both sides struggled with nerves. The Students scored an early goal, throwing everything at the Bombers' defence. But gradually the Bombers weathered the storm. Despite the ball being camped in the North Shore forward line for the last 5 minutes of the half, the Bombers were able only to manage a behind and trailed by 6 points at the first change.
The second term began with an early Sydney Uni goal, but the Bombers then worked their way back into the contest. They created plenty of opportunities, but were unable to convert until Michael Trent ended the drought with a strong mark 30 metres out. But the second goal, which would give the Bombers the lead, was not forthcoming; and the Bombers faced a 5-point deficit at the long break.
But it all went pear-shaped in the third term. The drive and intensity was missing, and the Bombers' forward line was unable to capitalise in any way from their limited opportunities. Not helped by some absolutely mystifying umpiring calls, it was a tough quarter for the Bombers. The Students scored three unanswered goals to trail by 26 points at three-quarter time.
The Bombers had to take risks in the last term, and some of them came off. Finally some goals started to flow, a good running effort by Tim Weston and a couple of strong grabs from Justin Falconer and Aidan MacCullough. But with caution being thrown to the wind, goals were leaked at the other end. But the Play of the Day prevented the bleeding from being worse, with Ryan Terrey running down a Sydney Uni forward twice his size to prevent him running into an open goal.
But the final result saw the Bombers go down by 31 points. So it comes down to sudden death next Sunday, with the Bombers having another chance when they take on the winner of the St George v Pennant Hills elimination final.
Final Score - Sydney Uni 9.13 (67) lead North Shore 5.6 (36)
Goals : Michael Trent 1.
Last Modified on 24/02/2011 20:17