Sunday July 24 saw the second round of the Bombers Metro League season played under lights on the billiard-table surface of the UCR Campus in Riverside. Although the anticipated 3rd team from LA is still coming together, there were plenty of LA based players in attendance as well as the usual OC and IE players.

The teams divided into two teams of 12 based on affiliations, with former IE players Chris Olsen and Beau Fournier pulling on the red and white again, as well as CAFL stalwart Ed Gallagher. Combined with the 3 regular Bombers who live in Riverside - Dazza, Country and Yabbi, the rest of the Fire team where all IE locals. These guys show enormous potential and it is hoped they will be playing in a Bombers strip in the near future. One particularly talented recruit, Andrew, was unfortunately injured in the 2nd quarter and taken to hospital. Early reports show no sign of a break to his injured arm so hopefully he'll be back soon.


So to the game, and although the first round between these teams 2 weeks ago produced a shootout, with final scores 15.10 to 13.10, this game was more one-sided. This was pehaps due to 2 inclusions that were absent from the last match, coach Peachy and KB Nelson who were both outstanding and collected posessions at will. In fact the whole Crush side was in fine form, with Revo players Donnie and Fingers looking especially dangerous as they head to Melbourne this week for the International Cup. Brad Wetherall was dominant in the midfield as is his habit, 2nd year players Corey Irwin and Derek Wright are just getting better every day, and first gamer Ryan Lorseyedi looking like an absolute natural. Mark Larson, coming off an enforced break, was as strong as ever, and the Crush even had the luxury of running veteran defender Steve Cassity in the forward line. Steve's physical presence was a real benefit to the forward structure, and new recruit Craig Banfield played the small forward role well and helped set up goals.

For the Fire, veterans Chris Olson, Dazza, Derryn, Ed and co. showed the way to their teammates, who may have lacked experience but showed plenty of determination and potential. With these guys eligible for the upcoming tournaments, the Bombers will be strengthened noticably. A potential ruck combination of Andrew and Yabbi looks particularly interesting, as does the hard nosed defensive Fire players, who were besieged all game but showed tenacity and never quit. Sure traits of a Bombers defender. All in all, some great footy at a superb venue, played under lights which is always fun.

Final scores: OCC 20.22 to IEF 7.10.
Best OC: Wetherall, Pietsch, Nelson.
IE: Olsen, Olson, Fournier.

Goals, OC: McNeil 7, Purcell 5, Wetherall, Pietsch 2, Cassity, Irwin, Larson, Lucero 1.
IE: Olsen, Gallagher 2, Olsen, Lien, Yabrof 1.