Hi Bombers Fans!
Well the match that we had all been anticipating came and went! And it did not disappoint! Although the Bombers ended up on the wrong side of the score board there is no doubt this is one of the best matches seen in some time. Hard ball gets, hard running, hard tackling... let's face it, it was hard all around!
There may be some that will say the Bombers could have been playing Hawthorn with the way the free kicks were being laid down in Byron's favour (the cry of Free Kick Hawthorn may have been heard once or twice from the enthusiastic crowd). But this cannot be allowed to detract from the absolutely sensational way in which the boys went about their business.
By the time we came to first bounce the dew had already started to settle quite heavily on the ground, but once again from the opening bounce Ballina began to dominate the mid-field contest. We were first to the ball and were generating some great wrap around work with the run on and support. When we had the ball we moved fairly cleanly forward and when it was turned over the defensive structures snapped in to place. Jesse Leeds and Luke Cornwell monstered across the back line and it was an incredibly even battle. The only difference coming down to a couple of free kicks that were in Byron's range. First quarter ending Ballina 1-3-9 to Byron 3-2-20.
The second term saw Ballina elevate in their intensity and the rewards started to flow on the back of the increased aggression. There had been one or two spiteful incidents out of quarter 1 and these continued through until half-time. No one from either side was inclined to give ground. However, training was clearly paying off with the systems clicking. Joe Ward, Simon Thorsen and Rory Walton all feeding off each other kept the forward delivery and Tim Price was the happy recipient on a number of occasions setting up a small lead for the Bombers at the major break - Ballina 5-3-33 to Byron 5-3-27.
The third quarter saw Byron find the better run of the game. Although the contesting form the Bombers was no less intense we were able to secure the ball as consistently as in the first half. Steve Adam once again had a stellar game with serious ball contesting and was genuinely supported by Harley Schmidt, who also seemed to be in everything. Up until the last minute of the quarter when a minor indiscretion saw him take a 15 minute rest at the suggestion of the Umpire. Byron's inside 50 this quarter though ended up the main difference - Ballina 6-3-39 to Byron 6-7-43.
The final term was one for the ages! Every player listed on the team sheet had a hand in something. It was pure desperation football from both teams but with a skill level still of high order as was befitting the top two sides in the competition. Ballina snapped to an early lead and looked as if they might just be able to hold out the intense Byron finish. With one minute left on the clock Ballina we up by 2 points when the last press from Byron managed to shake loose one shot! That one shot was made to count and Byron went in front. The last 60 seconds saw Ballina throw down hard, but time was not their friend on this occasion and the siren sounded on what was a truly Epic Battle!
Final Score:
Ballina 8-5-53
Byron 8-9-57
Goal Kiskers - Tim Price 4, Sam Kennedy 2, Craig Saad 1, Simon Thorsen 1.
Best on Ground - Stephen Adam, Joe Ward, Kris Davis, Tim Price, Simon Thorsen, Sam Kennedy
Thank you to all who came out to enjot the spectacle and also to those who volunteered their time to support the Club. We are at home again next Saturday where we take on Tweed Tigers for the second time. It is also a special day as we will be hosting Ladies Day. Please see below for details and if you can get along to support.
Squadron Leader
See the Bombers Fly Up!
Last Modified on 29/08/2018 11:50