On Sunday much of the Bombala population filled the spectator seats at the Bega football ground to help cheer on their Bombala Blue Heelers Reserve grade team in the 2016 Group 16 grand final.
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At the beginning of the year, various Group 16 committee members were reluctant to support Bombala submitting three grades (Firsts, Reserves and Ladies League Tag), suggesting they would not field enough numbers and proposing Bombala join with Tathra.
Rather than succumbing to the pressure, the Bombala committee stood strong backing their little community, having faith that the passion for footy of the local boys would prevail. Throughout the year, the Bombala Reserve grade team had instances where up to nine or 10 men would have to sit out games, due to too many numbers – a problem not too many other clubs would have, let alone a small community like Bombala.
So not only did the team defy odds of making numbers each week; they performed brilliantly throughout the year making it all the way to the top two and into the grand final. Much of the success is attributable to the wonderful leadership from captain-coach Clay Stewart. Stewart has been a dominate name in Bombala’s football history throughout his life, his ability on the football field and professionalism off the field has gained absolute admiration and respect his from his peers. Having the tough task of picking a 20 man squad from 30 odd players is always a difficult one, but judging by the success of the team this year it is fair to say Stewart has done both his team and town proud.
From the kick-off the Bombala boys would be forced to defend back to back sets, finding it difficult to get out of their own half. Nick Rosten would hit the ground hard only minutes in as he bravely took a high ball by putting his body on the line.
Brother Alex would remain safe as houses in fullback with great support from Kitt Bryce out wide. The game was shaping up to be a physical one. Matthew Stone ran the ball up hard as Ben Mooney would get away a kick to try and get the boys down the opposite end of the field.
However with Bega given a penalty only metres out they would eventually muscle their way over to the left of the uprights. The score was 4-0.
The dominating running and tackles from both centres Jackson Standen and Ben Mooney was outstanding, able to lift the boys when needed. After Bombala would receive some penalties they would finally get a taste of attacking position and it did not take long for Clay Stewart to execute a precision cut out ball to hit a flying Alex Rosten out wide who would stroll over for the Heelers. The eruption from the crowd was formidable and the boys were fired up knowing full well they were in this game. With the conversion unsuccessful the score remained locked at 4-4.
The injection of Clay Clear was noticeable. His ability to break the line, gaining great metres for the team was instrumental as well as his dominating efforts in defence. Chris Halligan would also gain great metres for the boys, hitting the ball up hard with great support from Pat Gaudie and Craig Bottom. As field possession again looked good Stewart would again attempt to send the ball wide however it would hit the ground and roll out before connecting with any players.
The Bombala boys were forced to turn around and defend again. The consistency from James Coates and Kurt Lomas as they interchanged from hooker and lock was a fantastic combination, both with great distributing abilities and water tight defence.
Korie Elton and Keiran Wilson would make strong runs in attack, however as Bombala would hand possession back to Bega in good field position they would capitalise by spreading the ball from one side of the field to the other, treating it like a hot-potato they were able to cross for another four pointer out wide taking the score to 10-4 with 12 minutes until half time.
It would seem Bega would have good momentum and realised spreading the ball quickly worked, they soon tried it again and would score again on the opposite wing this time. The score was taken to 16-4.
The Bombala boys were not ready to hang their heads though and just on half time Clay Clear would make a dominating run down the right hand side of the field, splitting the defensive line and able to offload to a steaming Ben Mooney. With Mooney looking up and realising he still had a lot of work to do as he neared closer to the sideline with still numerous defenders to beat, he showed absolute class by placing a perfect chip kick over the top, managing to stretch out and regather himself only to score right in front of the Bombala supporter base. The crowd went up in applause as Bombala would head to the sheds trailing by a mere eight points at 16-8 at half time.
From the kick off after half time Bombala would complete a great set of six getting the ball down their own end. After one of the Bombala players was hit high they would receive a penalty in good field possession. Mick Sullivan would take a great dart beating numerous defenders to gain good metres but as Stewart attempted to again get the ball wide to link up with a flying Sam Sten the ball would unfortunately go to ground.
Bega then put in a good set, getting to the other end but eventually kicking the ball dead. Jackson Standen and Sam Sten led the way by carting the ball up hard. Paul Gimbert and Nat Jennings were great injections of brute strength to also cart the ball up for Bombala; but as Bombala would opt to run on the fifth they would fall short from their own line. Back to back penalties would then give Bega a great piggy-back out of their own half, eventually they had the Bombala boys on the back foot, and capitalised by steaming rolling up the middle.
Bega scored next pushing the win further from the grasp of the Bombala boys at 22-8 with only 16 minutes to go.
The next few sets saw Bega go close to scoring yet again but the scramble defence from Bombala was fantastic. Ben Mooney hit the line at pace making a great break, in support was Clay Stewart and Raymond Kading but the Bega defence eventually wrapped them up. Bombala seemed to have much more field possession this half but a credit to the Bega defence, they found it difficult to penetrate.
It wasn’t until about four minutes left on the score board that Stewart hit the line at pace able to muscle his way over for his own four-pointer. The score was taken to 22-14, but it was going to be a tough task to gain eight points with such limited time left. Instead Bega strategically slowed down the play the ball and wind down the clock, with the Bombala lads leaving nothing left in the tank they tried desperately to gain the ball back but it was Bega who sealed the deal with one last try with only seconds left on the clock. The final score end as 28-14 to Bega.
A valiant effort given by all, the boys showed their respect by coming over to clap the crowd to thank them for all of their support throughout the year. The crowd reciprocated by yelling loud cheers and applaud to show their respect for the stellar season these boys put in, representing their home town with absolute pride. While it was not the result Bombala had all wished for the boys, they could definitely hold their heads high and be proud of all they have achieved in such a short space of time.
Excitement has already begun as talk of coming back bigger and better in each grade next year has already begun. Bombala has definitely restamped their position as a competitive club in group 16 and the one to watch out for in 2017.
The Bombala & District RLFC would like to thank all of the supporters, volunteers and sponsors for their overwhelming efforts throughout the season. Without your contributions it would not have been possible to run such a successful year of footy in Bombala. We welcome your ongoing support as we continue to build; getting bigger and better each year, aiming to capitalise on the fantastic foundations the last two years have established to bring Rugby League back to Bombala.
We welcome players and supporters along to the Bombala & District RLFC presentation night on September 3 at the clubs major sponsor’s venue - The Bombala RSL Club. Ticket numbers will be limited to seating availability, so we suggest you get in quick. Tickets can be purchased for $50 each (includes two course meal) at Champions Shoe Store. We look forward to celebrating the fantastic efforts of all the Bombala players in 2016, what a great year of footy it has been.