Overnight rain saw Gore Hill Oval closed. Reserves and Under 18s games were called off, with the seniors moved to Bruce Purser Reserve. Despite heavy rain, Bruce Purser was in good condition for the game.
The Bombers struggled to match up on their Eagle opponents in the first term. Too often there were loose Eagles everywhere, and the Eagles were able to create plenty of chances. The Bombers did get one goal, thanks to the crumbing of Pat Codling, but trailed by 24 points at the first change.
The Bombers lifted early in the second term, and Tim Weston converted a free kick for the first goal of the quarter. But the wet, slippery conditions made ball handling difficult and the Bombers struggled to get their running game going. Another goal came later in the quarter thanks to a virtuoso performance from the sideline by Lachlan Clancy; but there were too few highlights in the first half for the Bombers, who trailed by 26 points at the long break.
The Bombers attempted to fight back in the third quarter, Lachlan Clancy's second goal giving the Bombers a sniff. But, try as they might, there was no way through the East Coast defence; and then the tide turned against the Bombers. A dislocated shoulder to Michael Trent, a few close umpiring calls that didn't go North Shore's way, and the Eagles stepping up a gear conspired against the Bombers; and the Eagles ran away with the game to leave the Bombers with a crushing 77-point defeat.
East Coast 4.6 6.9 9.10 16.12 (108)
North Shore 1.0 3.1 4.4 4.7 (31)
Goals - L Clancy 2, P Codling, T Weston.
Best - L Pryor, D Martin, D Fitzgerald, A Harry, P Bourne, S Paynter.
Third Division at Gwawley Park was another learning experience. The Bombers stayed in contact with the Power early, and only trailed by a goal at the first change, but the locals gradually pulled ahead of the determined Bombers as the afternoon unfolded.
Southern Power 2.1 5.3 11.6 13.8 (86)
North Shore 1.1 1.1 2.1 4.2 (26)
Goals - N Anderson, D Miller, R Dillon, H Cashmore.
Best - D Miller, D Cox, S Youlten, L Somerville, A Henson, T Beissmann.
Last Modified on 16/12/2011 20:15