Round 3 Bombala
Obn Saturday, April 22 the Bombala showground fielded a fantastic full day of football from juniors all the way up to senior first grade being played under lights.
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Ladies League Tag:
The High Heelers would face-up against the undefeated Merimbula/Pambula Hot Doggies in a tough test. A great line-break would give the Heelers an early advantage which would see the ball spread across the field to a flying Georgie Clarke who could not be stopped, scoring out wide.
However Merimbula/Pambula would strike back just minutes later with pace that could not be matched; they would score under the posts claiming the lead 6-4. In the 7th minute, the ball was put through the hands of the Heelers and eventually the defensive line of the Hotdoggies would open up allowing Monique Perkins to throw a dummy and go herself, scoring just wide of the sticks, edging the Heelers back in front 8-6. As the Heelers defence would see some uncharacteristic misses the Hot-doggies would again hit back to put themselves back in front 10-8. The game was becoming intense as each team would work hard to keep the other from scoring; Kristy Nichols, Abbey Kimber and Emma Sullivan proved reliable defenders for the Heelers and it was Amy Stone how would eventually break the line next, evading multiple defenders to bag her own try. Patrice Clear would also gain her own try speeding away from defenders moments later to score under the black dot, Clear’s successful conversion would take the heelers into the sheds leading 18-10 at half time.
The second half would see the Heelers finally gaining the upper hand, controlling the game through fierce defence and precision attacking skills. Monique Perkins would bag her second try of the day linking up with Abbey Boreham and a steaming Aimee Badewitz out wide. A quick thinking blind side move later would see Georgia Stewart dart from dummy half to score and to top off the points, Captain Patrice Clear would sweep across the field to link up with Abbey Kimber and Brooke Morey with some classy ball skills, allowing Clear to score just moments before the hooter. The Hot-doggies scored one try in the second half, but it was the Heelers who toughed it out and came away with a convincing win 30-14. Players player and 3 points went to the consistent Patrice Clear (sponsored by Clear Cut Electrical) who never stopped working in defence and still managed to score 2 of her own tries, 2 points went to Amy Stone (sponsored by Bibbenluke Stockhorse Stud) who played a great reliable game at fullback, running the ball back making great metres and points, 1 point went to Monique Perkins (Fortitude Physiotherapy) for her great ball skills and ability to break the line to put points on the board.
Reserve Grade
As the rain moved in, it would set the scene for an unfortunate result for the Bombala Reserve Grade team. However the tireless efforts from Johnny McKenzie, Warren Martin, Andrew Rutherford and Jackson Standen in defence did not go unnoticed. Digby Walcott and Kitt Bryce were great for the Heelers in attack, always looking dangerous and providing constant support to their front rowers. Alex Rosten was again a great asset for the Heelers in both attack and defence, looking very at home in the fullback jersey. With the conditions wet and slippery, the skill and pace of the Merimbula/Pambula team would be too good for the Heelers seeing them run in seven unanswered tries to take the win convincingly 34-0.
Players Player and 3 points went to work horse Johnny Mckenzie, 2 points went to Digby Walcott for his great ball skills and 1 point went to the dependable Warren Martin.
First Grade
With both Bombala and Merimbula/Pambula set to be among the teams to watch the year, this match was always going to be a good battle. Given the friendly club rivalry as well, it did not disappoint, ending with a nail biter finish with highly entertaining football. Bombala would take first points with Brett Hodak muscling over close to the sticks. However Merimbula would capitalise on the wet conditions, kicking in goal able to ground the ball as it slipped away from the Heelers players taking the score to 6-6. From here it was the speed and class of Merimbula’s Kyle Shepherdson proving too good for the Heelers, scoring 3 times before the break, giving the away side a great lead 20-6 at half time.
In the second half many questions were asked of Bailey Jones and Zac Slater as Merimbula would force the ball high via their kicks but the Bombala lads had answers each time proving very reliable for the home team. The combination of Paul Perkins to a steaming Luke Ingram would see the Heelers hit back on the scoreboard just 2 minutes in. Merimbula were quick to hit back though through their centre who would win a one on one situation allowing him to take the score to 26-12. From here the defensive efforts of the Heelers was admirable, with bit hitups and crunching tackles proving too much for the Bulldogs to handle, leaving them out off their feet. Wame Belolevu, Adam Rodwell and Luke Ingram all proved massive assets, their brute strength began to rattle the opposition allowing much needed field possession to the Heelers. The Heelers comeback on the scoreboard would kick off from a classic Paul Perkins try, able to muscle his way over from a quick dummy half scoot. Wame would add the 2 points taking it to 18-26. Again Luke Ingram would use his strength to muscle over in the 54th minute, with Wame’s eye in with conversions the Heelers would edge very close on the scoreboard now just behind by 2 at 24-26. It was obvious the Bombala boys were fired for a strong finish, prepared to leave nothing in their tanks. Nick Ryan would place a perfectly weighted kick from inside the 20 that would find touch to allow a 40/20 giving the Heelers much needed field possession. Credit to Merimbula’s defence, they held the home team out but would be forced to defend another set being caught in goal. As Bailey Jones did well to collect the high ball and run it back for the Heelers, it would be the classy foot work and speed from Tyler Jones that would see him score the winning points for the Heelers taking them to the lead, 28-26. The last 9 minutes of football was edge-of-your seat stuff as the away side would try all avenues to get back on the board and with late penalties given away from the Heelers, the Bulldogs would get good field possession providing a very nerve racking final few minutes for the crowd, however the Bombala lads were able to hold them off to snatch the victory in a very valiant comeback. Players Player and 3 points were shared between powerhouse duo Adam Rodwell (sponsored by Southern Stockyards & Fencing) and Luke Ingram (sponsored by P & B Joseph), 2 points went to the other hard hitter Wame Belolevu (sponsored by Monaro Native Nursery) with 1 point to the classy ball player Tyler Jones (sponsored by Raw Strength Bombala).
On behalf of the Junior and Senior Bombala Football clubs we would like to thank all of the supporters who came to cheer on their home teams. Round 4 next weekend will see the senior teams travelling up to Moruya for their three games – Ladies League Tag, Reserves and First Grade on Sunday, April 30. We encourage supporters to make the trip down the hill to again help cheer our teams on. Thank you to the Bombala RSL club for their ongoing support and sponsorship. Follow us on facebook: Bombala Blue Heelers.