28th of June 2014 saw the Campbelltown Blues turn Pink for charity as they took on North Shore in a game were no charity was on show. Both teams needed a win to consolidate positions on the division 4 ladder. North Shore coming off a big win vs. Moorebank and the Blues needed to get their season back on track after two disappointing losses.
With a 5 goal North/ North/ West blowing the Blues knew they were under the pump early and had to minimise the damage against the wind. Great tackling early from Jezzer set the scene that the blues were here to play. With the gale blowing the Bombers took the early advantage as they opened the scoring with 2 majors for the quarter. To The blues Credit that’s where the scoring stopped as the Blues replied with one of their own to have the quarter time score reading North Shore 2.2.14 to The Blues 1.1.7
The 2nd quarter the blues had to take advantage of the breeze considering the Bombers only scored two goals the blues were upbeat of a big scoring quarter. As the game continued conditions for AFL worsened with skill going out the window due to the conditions both teams found it difficult to trouble the scorers. This game would come down to who wanted it the most and sheer grit and determination. At half time the game was in the balance with North Shore holding a slight advantage leading the blues 3.3.21 to 2.3.15
The third term like any third term can be telling and with North Shore once again having the benefit of a Nor Nor Wester blowing the game was theirs for the taking. Once again both sides found the conditions difficult to navigate although the Bombers managed to Once again kick 2 goals to the blues 1 leaving the task for Campbelltown all that much harder. At 3 quarter time the blues were down 3.6.24 to 5.6.36.
With the final quarter upon them the blues had to find a way to kick goals having only kicked 1 goal per quarter they now needed to find 3 goals without conceding to get victory. With the assistance of the breeze the blues were still confident of a great win. As the quarter went on both sides traded early goals as the game sat in the balance. Campbelltown were hell bent on keeping North shores points to a minimum as they only conceded 1 goal 1 for the quarter. This would mean they needed 3.2 as a minimum for victory. The game hung in the balance with both sides’ defences holding each other out. Two Snap shots from Hickey and Flint saw the blues take the lead for the first time in the match as they now held a 1 point lead. With the game on a knifes edge, it could of gone either way. North Shore pushed long on several occasions although the Blues Defence lead once again by a herculean effort by JD saw the blues defence hold strong. The Blues midfield has to be mentioned as they played the entire 4 quarters unchanged lead by Captain Ben Smith it was a great performance by Frewell who took on the rucking duties with Billy’s absents. Carpenter playing in his first season had a great game. Football games come down to moments of individual brilliance and in Campbelltown’s case this came via the best charge down you will ever see. North Shore were pressing late and looking to kick long, a kick that would have resulted in a scoring opportunity, only to see Bodds Save the day with a telling smother which cleared the danger and the blues held on, for a great come from behind victory. Co- Captain for the day Yzo was seen falling to the ground overcome by emotion as the blues celebrated their two point win keeping their finals hopes alive for 2014. They now face UNSW on Saturday at 12noon @ Monarch oval.
For the record
Campbelltown Blues 6.9-45 defeated
North Shore Bombers 6.7-43
Goal Kickers: J. Hickey 3, D. Flint 2, A. Talbot
Best Players: J. Duncombe, L. Bodeker, J. Allsopp, C. Pal, J. Fretwell, D. Gardner
North Shore Bombers
Goal Kickers: A. McNicholas 2, B. Tracey , R. Edwards , K. Mitchell , M. Kelly
Best Players: A. Phelan, N. Adams, A. Purcell, M. White, D. Gunn
For North Shore A.Phelan took out the Visitors 6 pack award scoring himself a bevi for his efforts. Finally thanks to North Shore for attending the post- game awards their sportsmanship following the loss was to be commended.
Last Modified on 04/07/2014 11:45