Thankfully the week before the game was fine and sunny, a welcome contrast to the previous week. And although bits of Gore Hill were still a bit heavy, most of the ground was in reasonable condition; and the ground was bathed in sunshine as the Bombers took on Wests.
First up were the Under 18s, looking to get back on the winning list after last week's washout. The Bombers started well around the ground, but poor kicking would let them down and they would score five behinds before finally getting their first goal. The lead at quarter time was 17 points, but should have been considerably greater.
The trend continued in the second term, and at one stage the Bomber frustration was setting in as the scoreboard went to 3.10. The Magpies fought back late in the second term with three goals in a row, but an important North Shore goal as the half time siren sounded gave the Bombers a 19 point lead at half time.
The Bombers stepped up a gear in the third term, and the Magpies were unable to keep up. Six goals to one for the quarter put the Bombers in a commanding position, 51 points to the good at the last change. And although Wests attempted another fightback in the final quarter, the Bombers had the answers; the last quarter being level and the Bombers running out 51-point winners to maintain their hold on a top-3 position.
The reserves were up next, and it was an evenly-contested first quarter, with the Bombers holding the edge by seven points at the first change. And the second quarter was a battle of the defences, a goal-less quarter in which the ball travelled from end to end but neither side was able to penetrate the big sticks. The Bombers led by eight points at the long break, after a tightly-contested first half.
It had been frustrating to have had so much of the ball during the second quarter and been unable to score a goal; and even more so when the Magpies hit the front during the third quarter. But the Bombers bounced back, taking control late in the third term with four goals in the last few minutes to regain the lead and hold a 17-point advantage at three quarter time.
The Bombers went on with the job in the last quarter, keeping their finals hopes alive with another strong final term. The final winning margin was 25 points, a valuable win in the context of the season; our reserves continuing with the strong form they showed in their last match.
The sun was shining, the crowd were in voice, the WB balloons providing a scenic setting as the feature event got under way, the Premier Division encounter. And the first quarter was everything that even the most exacting North Shore task-master could have asked for. Devastating through the midfield, delivering with pinpoint accuracy to the forwards, and the miserly defence refusing to allow the Magpies any easy touches, it was a sensational display by the Bombers as they raced away to a 40-point lead at quarter time.
Wests scored the first goal of the second term, but the Magpie revival was short-lived. It was a procession of dominant footy, as the Bombers controlled the ball, forcing turnovers and putting the Magpies under relentless pressure. 18 scoring shots to 2 for the first half was a reflection of North Shore's dominance, as they led by 61 points at the long break.
For all Wests' attempts to get back into the contest, North Shore had all the answers. The Bombers were sensational, and although Wests tried to lift during the third term, the Bombers still won the quarter and led by 65 points at the last change.
The last term was a North Shore benefit, an exhibition to savour. The Bombers were at their unstoppable best, as the Wests defence crumbled completely. 13 is lucky for some, and certainly a lucky number for the Bombers during the final term; as 13 unanswered goals were added. The Bombers were finding unmarked opponents everywhere, evading any Wests' tackling attempts and controlling the ball with regularity to score at will. It was a display to remember for the Bombers, a display of premiership football that, if they can replicate it during the finals, will stand them in good stead for the playoffs.
The final margin was 145 points, the result ensuring the Bombers will be taking part in this year's finals.
Last Modified on 09/01/2012 22:16