When the Bay and Basin Bombers formed a senior men’s team to play in the South Coast AFL competition three years ago, father and son duo Tim and Jack Allen were among the first to sign up.
And in Bomaderry on Saturday they were celebrating along with 21 teammates after the Bombers won the reserve grade grand final, defeating the Figtree Kangaroos 8-2-50 to 4-13-37.
It was the first time the Bay and Basin team had reached a grand final in their three years, with Tim and Jack both making solid contributions.
In fact Jack scored a spectacular goal, running on an angle and dribbling it towards the sticks before a Figtree defender seemed to have the ball covered – only for it to take an unexpectedly high bounce over his head and through for a six-pointer.
Coach Chris Stubbs said there were strong performers all over the field in an even team performance by the Bombers.
While the scorecard might suggest the Kangaroos were haphazard in their kicking for goal, Stubbs said it was more about the pressure the Bombers defender applied during the game.
Midfielders Finlay Brown and Brayden Atkins were shifted to the backline for the grand final, and gave the side tremendous drive and running power as they repeatedly turned defence into attack.
“Both of them were very, very important for us,” Stubbs said.
“I think our pressure was really good, and our composure at the other end to kick as straight as we did.”
He said the Bombers did better of making the most of all their opportunities, because high-pressure games “come down to those moments”.
The Bombers had strong performers all over the field, including Daniel Hylton-Cummins who kicked the first goal, while Trae McClear was the only player in the match to kick more than one goal – slotting through two majors.
Veteran player Nathan Darvill also got a goal, before suffering a heavy knock late in the game.
The team’s co-captains Scott Proctor and Dane Hallinan were also outstanding, with Hallinan named player of the match.
Ruckman Max Hughes came into the game under and injury cloud with calf troubles, and there were questions over whether he would be able to see out the match, but “he toughed it out and he was an important contributor for us as well,” Stubbs said.
There was a big Bombers contingent at Artie Smith Oval for the grand final, and the supporters let out several mighty roars throughout the game – but none bigger than at the final siren.
Stubbs said it was good to see so many people celebrating “a community club built on the support of a lot of people”.
And now with a reserve grade premiership under the club’s belt, there are questions about possibly advancing to the premier grade competition.
Stubbs said that was a decision for the wider club – not just him as the coach.
However he said the intention was to build on what had been achieved this season.
“As a club that’s certainly the aim at some point – whether or not next year is too soon.”
The Veteran Counsellor Blog 