Saturday dawned bright and sunny, and four games of football were in store.
First up were the Under 18s, with the Bombers in a local derby against defending champions Riverview. An evenly-contested first half saw the Bombers three points ahead at half time.
The scoreboard may not have done justice to North Shore's endeavours in the first half, but it was a different story after half time. Stepping up the intensity, running with regularity, the young Bombers assumed control of the contest. Seven goals to one for the quarter blew the margin out to 39 points at the last change. And they weren't finished yet, as another dominant quarter in the final term saw the margin out to 71 points, the winning streak out to three games, and now find themselves well and truly in the top five and in a good position to challenge for this year's finals.
Div 4 was next in action, the first of three games against UTS. It was a tough assignment againt the ladder-leading Bats, who raced out of the blocks in the opening term. And although the Bombers attacked whenever they were able to create an opportunity, and scored three goals, it wasn't enough to stop them from trailing by 31 points at quarter time. The Bombers tightened the defence in the second quarter, holding the Bats goal-less for 15 minutes; but the Bats finally broke through for three late goals, and the Bombers trailed by 46 points at the long break.
The Bombers defended admirably in the third term to hold the Bats to one goal. Scoring one themselves, the margin was 48 points at the last change. And although the Bombers worked hard, it was hard work against the ladder leaders; with the Bombers eventually going down by 61 points.
Div 1 was up next, with both sides pressing for a place in the top five. And the first quarter was tight and evenly-fought, with the Bombers trailing by a point at the first change. The even nature of the game continued in the second term; it was goal for goal with plenty of lead changes. The quarter finished as it started, with the Bats holding a one-point lead at the long break.
UTS threatened to get on top in the third term, but the Bombers defended grimly to fight back and limit the damage. But the Bombers still trailed by 13 points at the last change. And the pressure of playing from behind caught up with the Bombers in the final term, as although they kept pressing they were unable to manage a goal in the last quarter and went down by 30 points.
And then it was time for the Premier Division fixture. The sun was shining and conditions were good. The Bombers got the early advantage after a brilliant soccer off the ground by Daniel Roberts; and the highlight of the quarter was a long range goal from the boundary line by Adrian Harry. In a quarter of fluctuating fortunes, the Bombers led by seven points at the first change. And although the Bombers at times threatened to get away, they found it hard to shake off the persistent Bats. At half time, the Bombers held a 14-point lead.
The run of play didn't go our way in the third term. The bounce of the ball was unkind, leaving our players second to the ball; and a few decisions didn't go our way. The Bats lifted and the Bombers struggled to keep up, as UTS kicked five goals to one, and the Bombers' lead disappeared and they would trail by 11 points at the last change.
Dale Fitzgerald goaled in the opening minute of the last quarter, but it would be the only goal for the quarter. In the Balmain game a couple of weeks ago, the Bombers got enough behinds to fall over the line. And a similar attack was in place this time. Plenty of chances created, but the nerves took over. Chance after chance went begging as the clock ticked down. The light was fading, the Bombers were pressing, but the winning goal would not be forthcoming. Finally the siren sounded, the Bombers going down by a point. The winning streak is over, a reality check - but the Bombers will be training hard this week ready to bounce back in next week's grudge match against Sydney Uni.
Last Modified on 09/01/2013 09:25
