Hosting rights for North Shore's games against Sydney Uni were a game of musical chairs. After rain early in the week, Sydney Uni No 1 was closed, and the games moved to Gore Hill Oval. Then on the day before the games, Sydney Uni was re-opened and the games moved back there. Although the ground was open again, it was a gluepot in the centre square, and heavy conditions would greet the players.
First up were the Under 18s. And the young Bombers had no trouble dealing with the conditions in the opening quarter, kicking 6 goals to 2 to romp to a 23-point quarter time lead. There was plenty of passion in this game. North Shore didn't have everything go their own way during a spirited second term, but won the quarter to take a 37-point lead into the long break.
The skies were getting darker as the second half got under way. The third quarter was tighter, and lower scoring, with only three goals being scored. But with the Bombers getting two of them, the lead was extended to 45 points at the last change. By now, working on a heavy track had become a slog; and the last quarter wasn't one that reached any great heights. But a 48-point win for the Bombers, in a hard-fought contest, is a good result for our young Bombers.
Next on the card was the First Division game. It was close-checking and low-scoring early. Midway through the quarter the Bombers attempted to break away with three quick goals, but the Students fought back and scores were level at quarter time. But the second quarter didn't go to plan, with the Bombers only able to manage one goal, and at half time found themselves 20 points behind.
The Bombers tried hard in the third quarter, but weren't able to make any impact on the deficit, which had grown to 31 points at the last change. It wasn't our afternoon - the Bomber players worked hard, but the bounce of the ball didn't run our way. After a low-scoring final quarter, the Students took out the game by 42 points.
Meanwhile at Bruce Purser Reserve, our Third Division side was taking on East Coast Eagles. The Eagles took out the game by 38 points, but it was a vastly improved performance from the Bombers, who competed solidly throughout the afternoon and made the Eagles fight for every possession. Over time, the thirds have become a much more competitive side, and the rewards will begin to flow as the season continues.
And then it was time for the Premier Division game. The sun was making some attempt to break through the overcast skies, and the track was even heavier after two games had already been played on it. The Bombers let themselves down with their accuracy, hitting the post four times in the first quarter. But the Bombers were getting enough of the ball to keep the scoreboard ticking over, and led by 7 points at the first change.
It was a cracker of a contest, two well-drilled teams going head to head. The Bombers were proving more than competitive against the highly-ranked Students; and stretched the half time margin to 14 points.
Sydney Uni threw everything at the Bombers in the third term, but the Bombers had the answers. Contesting every possession, finding players in space, and the two Patricks - Brackin and Codling - in the forward line; the Bombers stood their ground, stood firm, and led by 20 points at the last change.
The Bombers had a sniff. They had the run of play. And they weren't letting this one go. The Bombers were passionate, determined; and the scent of victory was in their nostrils. The last quarter was North Shore at their brilliant best, finding winners all around the ground to record a remarkable 47-point victory.
Last Modified on 09/01/2012 21:56