The Bombers fielded a relatively inexperienced side against the much bigger, faster and more experienced Dragons. With six first year players in the list of 21, one of those a young kid in his first game who played the whole game on a wing, it was always going to be a challenge to compete with LA who traveled with big numbers drawing from three SCAFL teams. Adding to their depth was former Bombers forward Chris Stewart who is always dangerous with his height and reach.

The Bombers started well and dominated play for most of the first quarter, but could only add 2.2 to the scoreboard while the Dragons kicked two late goals quickly to close the gap. Still, OC won the quarter and went into the break with some confidence.

Again the Bombers started well in the second quarter, kicking the first goal and opening up a bit of a lead, but LA showed it's class to hit back strongly in the second half of the second quarter and take a 16 point lead into half time.

The third quarter was pretty even as the two sides moved the ball well and a bit of a shootout was on the cards. OC kicked 3.1 for the quarter to LA's 4.2. Although 3 goals down at the last break, the Bombers were well and truly in the game and went into the last quarter believing they could win. Unfortunately that's where it ended for the OC boys.

The last quarter was all LA, as they ran all over the Bombers to post 4.10 while keeping OC scoreless. If not for some inaccurate kicking from the Dragons forwards the damage could have been a lot worse.

At the end of the day it was obvious the Bombers had suffered a huge fade-out in the last quarter due to inexperience and an inability to run with the Dragons late in the game. However there were some very positive signs early and the Bombers showed they could match it with a very good team for most of the match. With some more development of the rookies and some important players to come back, the club can take a lot from the game although a 55 point loss is not something to be proud of.

The Bombers now look forward to a big game against San Diego at home on August 27.

Q1 - OC 2.2  LA 2.0

Q2 - OC 3.1  LA 5.5

Q3 - OC 3.1  LA 4.2

Q4 - OC 0.0  LA 4.10

FINAL - OC 8.4 (52)  LA 15.17 (107)

OC goals - Leal (4), McNeil (3), Wetherall (1)

OC best - Leal, Oroke, Meza, Stampbach, Wetherall.