On Saturday, April 30 the Bombala District RLFC ventured down the mountain to face the Bega Roosters and Chicks. In what is always a tough and passionate battle between these two towns, all three games provided entertaining football.
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Ladies League Tag:
The Bombala High Heelers kept their winning streak alive beating the reigning premiers, the Bega chicks 26-10. From the kick off this game was set to be a tough contest with the Bombala girls consistently forced to defend back to back sets, making it difficult to get out of their own half.
However the High Heelers defence stayed strong and while Bega was able to cross the line on two occasions, it wasn't enough to hold out the well-disciplined and classy football skills of the High Heelers.
Staying patient in attack the point scoring was consistent for the High Heelers who managed to break through the Bega defensive line on numerous occasions.
Three points was awarded to the try scoring machine Tash Stewart (sponsored by Raw Strength & Fitness) managing to speed away to score from various different positions on the field.
Two points went to Monique Ingram (sponsored by Fortitude Physiotherapy) who showed solid defence and was able to break the line on numerous occasions setting up for points and one point went to Lucy Sellars (sponsored by Bendoc Park Poll Herefords) who always looked dangerous with the ball in her hands and whose defence was ruthless.
Players player awarded from her peers went to Chloe Murphy (sponsored by Final Touches) whose tenacity in tagging was outstanding along with her hard line running and break away runs.
Reserve Grade:
In the Reserve Grade the Bombala boys provided a solid lineup, however still adjusting to new players and in various positions they were rattled by the big Bega pack and the final score ended in the roosters favour.
The likes of Paul Gimbert, Joel Cherry and Korie Elton all drove hard hit ups to gain early meters for the Bombala team.
After a quick onslaught of points from the Bega team Bombala hit back through Daniel Douch whose quick hands found the try line. Bailey Jones was able to convert the try and while the Heelers entered the sheds at half time 20-6 the momentum finally seemed on their side.
After half time solid defensive efforts from John Ford, Pat Goudie and Fred Simpson would help to keep the Bega team at bay, but even a great try saving chase down tackle by Bailey Jones couldn't stop eventual points to Bega.
Captain coach Clay Stewart was unlucky not to get a 40/20 to gain the Heelers some good field possession. The frustration was getting to the boys and a player sent to the bin for 10 minutes would leave the Heelers one man down and the Bega team were sure to capitalize.
The final score ended as 42-6.
Three points and players player was awarded to Richard Stewart whose ‘never say die’ attitude in defence was an inspiration to the Bombala team, Bailey Jones was awarded two points for his great scramble defence and one point went to John Ford who proved hard to handle in both attack and defence.
First Grade:
First grade took the field under lights with a 6.30pm kick off. The Bombala team were looking energised by the injection oftwo new Fijian team mates. While the score stayed locked at 6-0 in Bega’s favour for much of the first half, it was Bombala who would be their own enemy continuously handing possession back to the Bega team through unforced errors.
Joe Bobbin would be a standout in attack running solid lines and gaining great meters for the Bombala team.
Fijian duo Tuwame Turaganivalu (or ‘Warmi’) and Saimoni Buinimasi (or ‘Sam’) proved lethal in defence putting hits on the Bega boys that could be almost felt by the crowd.
Not to be outdone in attack, their ability to make meters and offer classy offloads was an asset to the team and provides exciting prospects for future games to come.
Luke Ingram stepped up in defence driving the Bega boys into the ground with each tackle. The half time score eventually got to 22-0 to the Bega team but with temperament and passions flaring the Bombala boys were not ready to back down yet.
Chris Anderson came out firing from half time, running with great determination breaking the defensive line. Andrew Guthrie was able to offer a great kicking game to help with field possession.
However an unfortunate injury to captain/coach Joe Bobbin meant the Bombala lads would have to lift even further.
Malcolm Stone was pivotal in defence working tirelessly to try keep the Bega team out. By the 74th minute the physicality of the game certainly had taken its toll with various players from both teams out on their feet needing first aid attention.
Given the field possession stats the Bombala team could be proud of their defensive efforts, Bega were able to score only twice more in the second half, pushing the final score out to 34-0.
Three points was awarded to Luke Ingram for his relentless efforts particularly in defence, 2 points went to newcomer Tuwame whose skills across the park were outstanding and make him an exciting player to watch throughout the season and 1 point went to the ever-reliable work horse Malcolm Stone.
The Bombala and District RLFC are excited to be hosting next weekend’s games on Saturday, May 7.. Following junior football earlier in the day, the Blue Heelers and High Heelers will take on the Cooma Stallions and Fillies in what is always a well rivalled, great-spirited game among the two highland teams.
Everyone is encouraged to come along and support the Heelers at home for a fantastic day of Saturday footy.
The club would like to acknowledge and thank their major sponsor the Bombala RSL club for all that they do to encourage Rugby League in the Bombala community.