IN a great weekend of AFL action, The Camden Haven Bombers made every post a winner and had several individual high points.
Jed Seymour returned with a powerhouse display in the Under 18s, Ben Morgan kicked seven goals for the Under 13s, the 11s had their best game yet, and the 15s welcomed back one of the club’s favourite sons in Dale Finch.
On top of all that, the Bombers had up to 15 volunteers at the Slice Of Haven Food and Wine Festival which continues the great community spirit of a club that has also been involved in Clean Up Australia Day and the Ironman in 2012.
Starting the weekend were the Under 18s who did battle at Macksville against a hot and cold North Coffs.
The performances of the returning Jed Seymour and the rapidly improving Damian Sewell were the catalyst for a 15.18 (108) to 5.6 (36).
Seymour showed a few weeks off hadn’t dimmed his skill level and his marking dominance as well as defensive pressure got the Bombers onto the front foot.
Damian Sewell, despite hobbling off with an injury, has come of age as a ruckman but it was that coupled with his willingness to shepherd, lead, and chase to put pressure on opponents that showed how far he has developed.
When the game was in the balance, Luke Raymond also stood up once again not having his colour lowered in a single contest - his good work was finished off in the second half by Wil Wright who continues to work back towards 100 per cent match hardness.
Special mention goes to Lachy White and Jarmyn Hudson who opted to help out a depleted North Coffs for the entire game - White was among their top three players.
The Bombers have rebuilt nicely for a crack at the Magpies, the only side to beat Camden Haven this year, and currently sit on the top of the Under 18s ladder with 6 matches left.
UNDER 18 BOMBER BEST: Damian Sewell, Luke Raymond, Jed Seymour, James Coskerie, Wil Wright.
In Sunday MNCJAFL action at Laurieton Oval, the Bombers welcomed back one of its favourite clubmen in Dale Finch after a long and enforced layoff from the game.
The Under 15s player inspired his teammates and his return was among the major talking points among club officials and players on Sunday afternoon and the praise could not be more deserved.
On the field, a full strength squad of 17 players the Fat Fish Bombers Under 15s took on the emerging Wauchope at Laurieton Oval and start strongly kicking into the wind.
Despite dominating, the Bombers failed to convert their advantage kicking 1 goal and 7 behinds.
The trend continued in the second quarter with 6 behinds but finally the Bombers added scoreboard pressure through newcomer Marcus Tate and a long bomb from Ari Vanderent.
Hayden Clarke added a major in the third term but a strong performance by Wauchope saw them peg back the Bombers’ lead.
A strong finish to the game by captain Lachy Hayman, Josh Kelly and Patrick Moulds kicking two in the second half having returned to the field after a nasty blood rule incident early on.
The game was won with some brilliant round the ground work by debutant Jye Kelly, and rugged attack at the ball by Dale Finch with the Bombers wrapping it up 9.20 (74) to 6.11 (47).
Coach Scott Moulds added: “I could not find one player undeserving of the highest praise and this win has been building for a few weeks now.”
In Under 13s action, the Bombers were determined from the very first bounce and their enthusiasm resulted in an uplifting and comprehensive victory.
After losing the toss and kicking into the breeze in the first quarter the team got off to a great start playing intelligent footy, keeping the ball short and low, and outplaying the opposition in every aspect of the game.
Trent Clarke and Max Griffis, who shared ruck duties, fed the ball brilliantly to Noah Ragussen, Matt Coskerie, Jy West and Lachy Hunt which allowed the Bombers first use of the ball all day.
Using the breeze the Bombers dominated the second quarter ensuring a comfortable lead at half time with strong performances by Josh Arrandale, Jordan Reynolds and Hudson Macindoe.
The half time break allowed coaches Scott Barton and Craig Windsor to encourage the side to persist and keep working hard on the “1 per centers” which paid dividends allowing the Bombers to build on the lead through the third quarter.
Reece Bower, Ruben Moss, Josh O’Donnell and Curtis Windsor showed great ability to adapt in various positions as the game went along.
The fourth quarter saw gun full forward Ben Morgan boot his seventh goal for the game as the Bombers ran all over the opposition.
Barton praised the Bomber players that helped out their opponents and recorded the final score of 101-13.
The Under 11 Bombers started out a beautiful day with a fantastic game of footy and their best performance yet.
Their team play and sportsmanship were to be commended with the boys and girls showing improvement in their tackling and movement of the ball. Ben Coskerie picked up the Coach’s Award with his best game of the season.
Aiden made the smother of the game and our girls Aurora and Rhiannon were outstanding in their willingness to get the ball.
Chaz, Mitch, Blake, Caleb, Declan, Reuben and Wilko were strong in any position they played today demonstrating great marking, handpassing and kicking.
Little Lochlan made a guest appearance and made a great handpass which resulted in a score for our team.
This weekend: JUNE 2 (Saturday) Under 18s v Port Magpies at Wayne Richards Park; JUNE 3 (Sunday) Rd 6 - Under 11s, 13s and 15s: v Macleay Valley Eagles @ Laurieton Oval.
All Under 18s players, parents and associates are invited to Bonny Hills tavern this Friday night (5pm for 5.30pm start) for a player get-together which is likely to include a jumper presentation and video review of recent games.
