The following match report was written by Corey Irwin.
Officially more than halfway through the season, the SCAFL teams met on April 29 in Los Angeles for Round 4. With each team having played each other once, this round gave the first set of rematches.

Game one put the OC Bombers up against the 951 Raiders. Still unbeaten, OC came into the game as the heavy favorite. However, with a side made up partially of last minute fill-ins, 951 was able to give them a real run for their money. A fast paced first quarter would see OC jump out of the gates quickly. Mike “Hershey” Herstein was the beneficiary of several clean passes and was able to convert two for goals. Not to be outdone, teammate Mark Larson was able to kick two goals of his own, largely thanks to his own play through the middle of the ground. On the other side of the ball, 951 were able to make several strong pushes towards their own offensive side. However, the OC defense was strong in the back; the only goal for the Raiders in the quarter coming off the boot of Timothy “Frenchie” Legere. Quarter time would have the Bombers leading with 4 goals and 5 behinds (total 29) to 951’s 1 goal 1 behind (total 7).

The second quarter saw the Raiders making necessary adjustments against the Bombers. Strong play from 951 veterans Chris Olson and Deron Lien would help the Raiders stifle OC’s attack. As a result, the 951 side was able to create many of their own offensive oppertunities. Had OC’s defense not come up as big as it did, the Raiders could have easily exploded for a large offensive output. As it was, 951 managed 1 goal and 5 behinds in the frame. Meanwhile, OC was only able to manage 4 behinds. At the half OC held a small lead 4 goals, 9 behinds (total 33) to 951’s 2 goals 6 behinds (total 18).

As the second half got underway, OC came out with a purpose. Undoubtedly motivated by gameday coach KB Nelson during the half, the Bombers emerged from the break fired up. Showing more focus on both ends of the field, OC dominated the ball. Four different Bombers kicked goals in the quarter, as OC made the most of each and every opportunity. 951 did their best to keep up with OC’s pace, but found themselves constantly turned back each time they tried to push the ball down their offensive end. The Raiders also suffered a blow when Deron Lien went down with an ankle injury early in the quarter. Credit again, needs to go to the Bombers defense which allowed only one behind in the quarter. The result would show OC leading 8 goals 12 behinds (total 52) to the Raider’s 2 goals 7 behinds (total 19).

The fourth quarter was much of the same for both sides. OC continued to pound the ball towards their goal. Kelly Nelson got in on the scoring, kicking two in the quarter. Also chipping in were OC new recruits John and James, who kicked a goal appeice, despite having no last names (according to the score sheets). Chris Olson helped lead a late flurry by the Raiders, but it wouldn’t be nearly enough. The final score saw the Bombers with a strong victory 12 goals, 18 behinds (total 90) to the Raider’s 3 goals 11 behinds (total 29).

OC Goal Scorers: Mark Larson (3), Mike Herstein (3), Andrew Treanor (2), Kelly Nelson (2), John, James

951 Goal Scorers: Timothy Legere, Chris Olson, Donnie Lucero

OC BEST ON GROUND: Mike Herstein
Others Receiving votes: Andrew Treanor, Kelly Nelson, Simon Woodhouse

951 BEST ON GROUND: Chris Olson
Others Receiving votes: Timothy Legere, Donnie Lucero