Bombers prove finals worth with upset

Nilma-Darnum proved their worth as finals contenders with victory over the previously undefeated Koo wee rup 8-7 (55) to 5-13 (43).

The win puts the Bombers just percentage outside the top six.

With football this round played in cold and wintery conditions, the contest was tight throughout.

Ultimately it was greater accuracy which helped Nilma-Darnum secure the win, with the Demons edging the Bombers on scoring shots but going down by 12 points.

With the Demons without the guidance of coach Ben Collins through suspension, the Bombers made a fast start and should have been further ahead than the three point lead they held at quarter time following a return of 1-6.

Inaccuracy wouldn’t be a problem for the Bombers from that point, registering a further 7-1 for the remainder of the contest while the Demons wasted opportunities in a telling final term.

The conditions turned many matches into tight slogs and this match was no different.

The Demons held a narrow three point lead at half time before the Bombers edged ahead to a seven point lead at the final change with three goals to one for the term.

The Bombers added another three goals in the final quarter to hold Koo wee rup out, but the Demons weren’t without their chances with a return of 1-7 for the quarter proving costly.

Ben Campbell thrived in the conditions booting three goals while John Paul Santo, donning the equal highest jumper number in the league (99), chipped in with two goals.

In conditions that would normally suit the strength of Koo wee rup spearhead Mitch Collins, the Bombers defence led by Nicholas Murray and Luke Bartlett were able to keep him to just two goals.

Thomas Campbell, Zeke Lamb, Jean Bezzene and Lai Leaunoa set up many attacking moves for the Bombers.

Craig Dyker defended well for Koo wee rup, while Paul Bright, Alex Considine, Scott Houghton and Ryan Wilby stood up when Demon star players were down on output.

Demons all the way

It was a different story in the Reserves with Koo wee rup recording a big win, 20-18 (128) to 1-0 (6).

Luke Galley goaled in the first quarter, but that was the only joy for the depleted Bombers line up as the Demons rattled on to a big win.

The Demons had 11 goals to half time to have the match in their keeping and didn’t let up in the second half, adding another nine majors.

Mark Frenken led the way in front of goal, booting five goals. He was ably supported by Ben Simpson, who scored best afield honours for his four goals.

Brett and Steven Hobson each chipped in with three majors.

Other prominent players for the Demons were Jack Carson, Jesse Cammarano, Daniel Mullen and Ben Spicer.

For the Bombers it was Robert Campbell, Trent Hughes, Corey Wright, Jeremy Jarred and Michael Buzasi who led the way.