The OC Bombers traveled to San Diego on Saturday July 12 to take on their old rivals, the SD Lions, in a much anticipated game between these two proud clubs. After weeks of fierce training for this match, the Bombers coaching staff faced the difficult task of selecting a side of 24 to take the field against the Lions. The squad wasn’t finalized until the last minute, and when the team took to the field it was with only 9 Australians in the 24, a healthy sign for the growth of the game in the area and a testament to the hard work that has been going on in the SCAFL over the past few months.

With perfect weather, and nice field by the water and a good sized crowd looking on, the clubs lined up for the game. The first quarter was tough and tight as the teams felt each other out. Both clubs refused to let the other get it’s running game going and the scoreboard reflected that with the game locked up at 2 goals 3 apiece.

The second quarter saw more of the same, with the teams going goal for goal and hit for hit throughout. The pressure applied by both clubs meant that there wasn’t the usual open, running style of play that everyone wanted to see from a clash between these sides, but what was lacking in skills was made up for in intensity. OC managed to sneak ahead and take an 8 point lead into half time, with the scores at 4.8-32 to 3.6-24.

While some of the older Bombers might have felt happy at being in front at half time, Head coach John Fragomeni was far from satisfied.

“We had plenty of the ball (in the first half) but we wasted possessions and we did not play to our game plan or to our potential. At times we were on the bubble and could have blown the game open to a comfortable lead but we threw away opportunities with poor decisions, sloppy disposal and use of the ball. There was no question in my mind about our commitment but we seemed to be playing the game emotionally rather than with focused intensity.”

Fragomeni implored his players to maintain the intensity, but at the same time slow the game down and use the ball more intelligently. It worked, and the game plan showed glimpses of itself as the Bombers started to play the kind of football they have been drilled to play all season. The only problem was that the Lions had similar ideas, and while OC started to look for and present more open options, this allowed SD to do likewise. Brendan McDonald and Simon Shenk led the charge as the Lions threw everything at the Bombers, and it was mainly due to the hard work of the Bombers backline that the Lions didn’t win the quarter by more, instead drawing scores level once again at three quarter time.





Although losing the quarter coach Fragomeni was pleased that the team had started to play the way he wanted.

“While it didn’t show on the scoreboard, the third quarter was a pivotal turning point in the game. San Diego threw everything at us, and to our credit as a team we withstood their challenge. Under pressure, the talking improved, we manned up and became accountable for our players. We started to move the ball better, we spread the ball sharing with the right options, and suddenly our game plan was put into action” he.said.

The last quarter shaped up as a classic with the scores tied and the players knowing the game was up for grabs, and for the first 10 minutes only one point for each team was added to the scoreboard. The ball was rebounded from end to end as both clubs threw everything at each other, but there were signs that the Bombers were really starting to click. Revo squad member Kelly Nelson had been in great form all day as he has been all season, but his last quarter was one out of the box. Kelly was in everything as he and fellow Revo players KB Nelson and Andy Lindsay led the Bombers defense and repelled the Lions attack time and again. Meanwhile the young gun wingers, Corey Irwin and Adam Hale combined with the experience of center Simon Sweeny to take control of the midfield. Ruckman Josh DeBlank was tireless as he took strong marks all over the ground, on-baller Freddie Schulin took his already good performance up a notch, and the Bombers forwards started to get on top. Eventually the deadlock was broken when Irishman Mark O’Shea put the ball to the top of the goalsquare where some old bugger managed to mark it. The resulting goal put the Bombers in front, and the floodgates, as they say, were opened. The Bombers piled on another 4 goals in the next 10 minutes to seal the game while the Lions wouldn’t trouble the scorers again.

Final score OC 11.12 (78) to SD 6.9 (45).

The Bombers players were jubilant when the final siren went, as they know how hard it is to beat San Diego, especially at home. It’s been a while since the Bombers have beaten the Lions and the boys knew it was a special win to be savored.

Coach Fragomeni was pleased with the end result. “We had the physical and mental endurance to out think, out play and run over the top of San Diego. In that last quarter we showed signs of that game against Golden Gate and our full potential as a team” he said after the game.

Another great thing to come out of the day was the level of support the team received from the crowd of friends, family, wives and girlfriends, as well as past and present players that made the trip down to watch the game and help out wherever they could. In fact, the crowd on the OC side of the field was every bit as big as the Lions crowd, which was sizable as usual. Former player/coach Paul Pietsch co-umpired, while Bombers stalwart Roger Carton ran messages for the coach. Haf was there to provide rub downs and first aid as usual, while USfooty’s hottest water runner, Desiree Lorseyedi, kept the boys hydrated and happy.

But it was the current players who missed selection but still made the trip to support their mates that was really special, and the team clearly appreciated it. Crash, Taylor, Bobby, Tyler, Super and Bull all showed up to help out where needed and make lots of noise on the sidelines. In fact the noise coming from the Bombers fans in the frantic last quarter was noticeable, and it helped lift their team and get them over the line.

Quarter by quarter scores:
Orange County Q1 - 2.3 (15) Q2 – 4.8 (32) Q3 – 6.8 (44) Q4 – 11.12 (78)
San Diego Q1 – 2.3 (15) Q2 – 3.6 (24) Q3 – 6.8 (44) Q4 – 6.9 (45)

Best players (Coach’s picks):
Kelly Nelson, Simon Sweeney, Freddie Schulin, Adam Hale, Josh DeBlank, Chris McNeil.


Goal Kickers:
Chris McNeil 4, Simon Sweeny 2, Adam Hale, Mike Hertstein, RJ Meza, Darrin Olsen.

Umpires:
Paul Pietsch, Ed Gallagher.