Narooma awoke to the roar of rally cars, Stevie from the Today Show and the Junior Devil’s Committee setting up Bill Smyth Oval to host Bombala for another Saturday of sensational junior footy.
Bombala did not field an U7 side so this set the stage for an epic battle of Origin proportion between U7 Red and U7 White.
Eddie had his players eager to dominate Nigel’s little champions and in desperation he even brought in ‘Super Coach’ Brendan to bring off a major upset.
Bragging rights finally rested with the Reds who were on fire proudly wearing their favourite jerseys, inspirational stuff for these little guys. Pelly Esekia took out Eddies ‘Milo Award’ while Skye Morris and Ty Constable shone for the Whites.
U8’s proved to be another great game with Bombala and Devils initially trading try for try but in the end Rob’s team put in two tries to finish on top. Well done to the Devil players who donned Bombala jerseys to help out equalizing numbers. No small challenge at this age. Rob was impressed with Joel Constable’s solid game naming him ‘Player of the Round’.
With no U9 and U12 sides, Kate’s Mod Girls ran out against an extremely well coached Bombala side. This was a real test of this team’s endurance who up till now had demolished their opposition. Ahead slightly at half time 16–10, they dug deep and finished up 26–14 winners with Tara Naylor and Jane Hudson awarded joint ‘Player of the Day’.
Andrews U10’s were revitalized after their school holiday and were a joy to watch. Sharp and decisive, both in attack in defence, they proved way too strong on the day running out winners 54-6. Hunter Dibden received top honours but Tommy Dawson was spectacular touching down after a ‘length of the field’ runaway try.
Devils U14’s were capably managed by Cameron and Pete in Craig’s absence. This game proved to be another try fest for Narooma against Bombala. Mitch and Kurt put in their normal hard hitting game but Riley Breust was massive punching through the Healers defence and given Player of the Round for U14’s.
International Girls saw Scott’s girls dominate in what I judged to be a much improved technical performance with fast response in defence and attack and controlled ball movement giving this team a well deserved 20-4 win over Bombala. Georgie Brown was judged best on the day.
With Bombala struggling for numbers in Bombala’s U16’s they were forced to forfeit the round but this set the stage for the best end to a Junior Round imagined possible. Paul negotiated with Bombala to share players resulting in a Devil verses a composite side of very talented players for both halves. Spectators witnessed a sensational game with neither team giving an inch in massive hit-ups and defence. Paul’s team ended up winners but the score was insignificant given the great performance by both sides.
This is what Junior Footy is all about and was a credit to all boys and coaches on the day. We play away next week, congratulations to Devils again dominant with 4 out of 5 wins plus a forfeit, another positive step heading into the Finals.
