Bombers Finish Labradors Season in Style

The Redland Bombers have inflicted an 83 point defeat on Labrador heading into its first finals series in eight seasons.

The Tigers, who were finals contenders only weeks ago, came out strongly against the home side kicking with a slight breeze to outscore the Bombers 6.2 to 4.6. Despite the defeceit, coach Matt Francis was pleased with the teams endeavour and instructed the boys to keep going the way they were as indicators were good.

They responded and kicked 6.8 to 1.1 in a second quarter that blew the game out in the home sides favour and put to bed any fairytale endings the Tigers might have had about their final match for the season.

The last half played out in the Bombers favour ending up with a massive although inaccurate 22.24 to Labradors 13.5.

Phil Carse was unstoppable in the midfield while Jason Eagle and James Charlesworth could do no wrong up forward, the pair combining for 15 of the teams 22 goals.

The interetsing battle within a battle was Jason Eagles pursuit of Territory full forward Darren Ewing who held a 4 goals advantage heading into the final match. Eagle finished with 8.8 including 2.5 in the final quarter while Ewing managed to squeeze out 5 goals to win the goalkicking award by just 1 goal. Eagle played 4 less games than Ewing across the season and will be looking to chase the 100 goal mark across the final series.

James Charlesworth was hurt in a collision with Eagle late in the match and suffered concussion and damage to his shoulder. Scans have so far proved positive in good news for the Bombers finals chances. Redland will also regain the services of Jeff White who was rested for the round 18 clash.

The Bombers will face off against Southport in the 1st qualifying final on Saturday at 2pm. The game is at Southports Frankhauser reserve and the Reserves will feature as the curtain raiser after they stormed into the finals to also finish in 3rd spot.

FINAL SCORES:

REDLAND: 4.6 10.14 17.17 24.22 - 166

LABRADOR: 6.2 7.3 10.4 13.5 - 83

GOALS:

J.Eagle 8, J.Charlesworth 7, R.Pantic 3, T.Rudolph 3, N.Burgess, B.Passfield, M.Davies

BEST:

P.Carse, N.Lavis, S.Huy, N.Congoo, J.Charlesworth, J.Eagle