Bomaderry 10.12 (72)

Northern Districts 9.12 (66)

FOR the first time this season in the South Coast AFL competition the Bomaderry Tigers came dangerously close to defeat.

In round 15 Bomaderry hosted Northern Districts at Artie Smith Oval, with the local Tigers getting away with a narrow six-point win.

Northern Districts had dramatically strengthened their side since the two sides last met and at the end of the first quarter Bomaderry had opened with an 11-point lead.

The scores turned in the second term and Norths came fighting back determined not to relive their round eight defeat.

They continued to extend their winning margin in the third term to a 14-point gap.

It was a new challenge for the Tigers who were behind on the scoreboard for the first time this year.

“It was good to have that challenge to come from behind,” said Tigers captain coach Clarrie Raymer.

It was an explosive finish in the fourth term.

Both sides goal kicking was off, but it was the Tigers who had the most success.

With just minutes to go the scores were level, until a free kick was awarded to the Bomaderry Tigers.

Andrew Ellis was the hero converting the goal from 40-metres out.

“It was an obvious penalty,” Ramyer said.

“A couple of the calls throughout the game could have gone either way, but this was definite.

“It was good to have the young fella convert it.”

It is obvious that Northern Districts are now the main contenders to challenge the Tigers in the grand final and Raymer believes his side has plenty of areas to improve.

“There is only a couple of games left until the finals,” he said.

“Our goal kicking is something we need to work on.

“Delivering to our forward line and around the ground and work on our fitness before the finals.”

Bomaderry 10.12 (72) d Northern Districts 9.12 (66)

Goal kickers:

Bomaderry: S. Byrne 4, A Ellis 2, C Raymer 1, M Polman 1, B Graham 1, J Murphy 1.