The local highland derby drew a great crowd despite the predicted chilly afternoon.

The first grade game, as seems tradition, started off well for the home team. 

While the Stallions were able to put early points on the board, Joe Bobbin (sponsored by G.Moore Concreting) was a standout for the home team, his ability to run hard and split the defensive line was on display again. 

It was Joe’s line break and impressive run down the field that saw him off load to a storming Andrew Anderson who was able to score under the black dot for the home side. 

Despite the early lapses in defence, the line was held strong particularly from the efforts of Clay Stewart, Chris Anderson and Brett Hodak.

Going into the sheds trailing 28-6 at half time, the Heelers were not out of contention yet.

However, injuries kept taking their toll on the new side. 

Aware they were missing some big names to injury in Malcolm Stone, Paul Perkins, Matthew Stone and Digby Walcott, the team knew they had to lift if they were to win. 

Daniel Douch played with great vigour until copping a heavy hit, also forcing him to the sideline. 

Joel Cherry made an impact coming from the sideline bringing great enthusiasm in defence, while Andrew Anderson and Jackson Standen continued to work tirelessly in defence and attack.

However, it was all the Cooma Stallions in the second half. 

Out on their feet, the boys conceded another 32 points in the second half, blowing the scoreline out 60-6.

Players player and three points were shared between brother combination Chris Anderson (sponsored by Foodworks) and Andrew Anderson, two points went to work horse Jackson Standen (sponsored by J&A Murdoch) and one point to the ever reliable Brett Hodak (sponsored by Final Touches). 

With the friendly rivalry between many past team-mates, this game was much anticipated as the Bombala High Heelers were determined to level the score from their loss to the Fillies in Cooma earlier in the season. 

The game proved to be a nail biter with the High Heelers eventual winners in a close 2-0 scoreline.

The High Heelers were on the back foot from the kick off with a spilt ball handing over possession early to the Fillies only 20m out from their line. 

Defence was an area the High Heelers had been focusing on throughout the weeks leading up to this game. 

Aware it would likely be a low-scoring game, it would be sound defence likely to win them the game.

Lucy Sellers, Jane Peadon, Tash Stewart and Maree Coates were instrumental in shutting the attacking efforts of the Fillies down. 

Amy Stone played an integral role in the middle of the field, working hard all game to drive the ball out of the Heelers half along with solid tagging efforts.

The combination of the Schofield twins for the Fillies was lethal constantly breaking the Heelers line and looking dangerous with the ball in their hands. 

The kicking game of Meg Bracher kept the Heelers fullback and wingers honest all game and to Kayley Keevey and Keiarna Rodwell’s credit they continued to safely collect the ball and bring it back for the Heelers. 

The direction of Emma Sullivan on the right hand side of the paddock gave great structure and was unlucky not see points put on the board. 

The combination of Monique Ingram and Tash Stewart again looked promising with a number of line breaks and opportunities to score points out on the left hand side, only to be denied in the last moments of the play.    

With a nil-all scoreline at half time, the High Heelers were determined to forget about the negatives of their first half, which included a number of unforced errors early in the tackle count, and remained positive about their ability to win the game.

A slightly longer half time break for the girls saw the presentation of the heritage round jerseys for the Bombala first grade team. 

Being presented from former Bombala and Delegate players, it was a historic event for the club, one that all the first graders felt honoured to be a part of.

The High Heelers took the field after half time with sheer determination on their faces, not deterred by the rising wind and sleeting rain. 

They were able to complete more sets in this half and, while not error free, was a marked improvement on their errors in the first half. 

Field possession was more in the Heelers favour playing most of the second half in Fillies territory.

While the High Heelers came close on numerous occasions, it was a credit to the defensive efforts of the Fillies that the Heelers were unable to penetrate their line to score points. 

However, it was just four minutes out from full time that a penalty was awarded to the Heelers that saw them able to elect to go for the two points almost in front of the sticks. 

Maree Coates struck the ball with ease and finally put points on the board. 

Determined to hold strong and solid in defence for the last three minutes of the game the Heelers were able to nab the win in what was a highly entertaining game of football.  

Players player went to Maree Coates (sponsored by Dommo's Shearing)  whose impact on the game was immeasurable.

Three points went to Emma Sullivan (sponsored by DF & D Stewart)  for her direction across the field, two points went to the dynamic Jane Peadon (sponsored by Bibbenluke Stockhorse Stud)  and one point was awarded to Maree Coates for as mentioned above.

The Bombala and District Football Club looks forward to hosting the last of the round games next weekend against Merimbula/Pambula Bulldogs in first grade and the Merimbula/Pambula Hotdoggies and the Bibbenluke/Cobargo Pink Panthers in the double header for the ladies.

The games will be played on Saturday, July 18 at the Bombala Showground. 

The club would like to thank its sponsors; Bombala RSL Club, Caldwell Building & Contracting, Ron Milliner Earthmoving, RAW Strength Bombala, Dongwah, Bob Stewart, Our Local IGA, Pat Lomas and Imperial Hotel Bombala.