After a long pre-season, the time had finally arrived for the Bombers to put all the hard work onto the paddock as both grades travelled to Nelson Bay.
The 1st Division side started their encounter well, however inaccuracy in front of goals plagued the bombers all game and kept the Bay in the match.
With injuries taking their toll, the bench was reduced to 1 by the final quarter, but the boys held on for a hard fought 2 goal win.
Three goals from veteran defender Tim Boyd was a highlight while Mick Forster, Sam Shergold and Darren Blackwood were all fantastic contributors.
With a solid win for 1st Division in the bag, the Premier Division side took the field. With plenty of pre-season hype surrounding their premiership chances, the Bombers were keen to start well.
Coach Pidgeon had stressed the importance of a good start, knowing very well that the Bay would be primed for an electric start to their first game back in the Premier Division.
The 1st quarter was tight and intense football and the Bombers took a slight lead at the 1st break thanks to a solid start by returning superstar Rick White, Daniel Lloyd and the ever impressive Dane Amidy.
The second quarter saw the Bay close the gap and they started to put immense pressure on the Bombers. New recruit, Scott Manuelle looked dangerous up forward in his 1st game in the red and black, as did Brad Dietz who was collecting valuable touches all around the ground.
The second and third quarters were a tight arm wrestle with scores basically level until early into the final quarter. That is when the tremendous pre season conditioning program kicked in. The tremendous run creates opportunities across the park. Classy goals from the experienced John Pidgeon and Rob Zahra helped break the game open as the Bombers ran out the final stages well to seal a convincing victory 15.11-101 to 10.5-55.
Daniel Lloyd was brilliant all day with a best on ground, 4 goal performance, while Tom Mumford, Rick White, Rob Zahra and Dane Amidy were all excellent.
Final Scores:
Black Diamond Cup Killarney Vale 15.11.101 Nelson Bay 10.5.65
First Division Killarney Vale 7.17.59 Nelson Bay 6.8.44
Last Modified on 18/03/2015 10:55