The OC Bombers boarded the Club Bus and headed out to Vegas on Saturday June 23 to play the LV Gamblers in what has become a traditional start to the Bombers 18 a side season. While the all-American Gamblers were clearly punching above their weight, they provided a good venue and a competitive hit out for the OC team, especially in the first quarter.

Vegas won the toss and went with the aid of a strong breeze, and they took advantage. The Bombers took a while to get going, shaking off the road trip, while the Gamblers got the ball forward with sheer enthusiasm. The score at the first break was 2.3 to 2.1, and the Gamblers showed great spirit to run with their far more experienced oppononents and match it with them.

After the quarter time break however, it was all one-way traffic as the Bombers held Vegas scoreless for the remainder of the game while adding another 19 goals to their tally. Scott Leal enjoyed the conditions and kicked a lazy 10 goals as a midfielder, a great effort under any circumstances.

Close behind Scotty for Best On Ground honors was RJ Meza who was everywhere; midfield one minute, defender the next, and then kicking a freakish goal the next. CHF Tyler Mounce continued his solid season, kicking goals and taking grabs as good forwards do. Also good to see the return of Vice Captain Paul Lima from injury, who did just enough in his first game back and will look forward to the next one.

Souring the win for the Bombers was a serious knee injury to full back Steve Stampbach in the dying stages of the game. Stamps has been rock solid all year and has been obviously enjoying his new role a a key defender, so it's a big blow to him and the club. But he is already planning his rehabilitation and we look forward to seeing Stamps back on the track as soon as possible.

Apart from that tragic injury, it was a great weekend and a lot of fun, but now it gets a lot harder with the next game being July 7 vs LA.

Bombers 2.3 6.6 6.4 7.5 - 21.18 (126)