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Jabiru Bombers blitz home turf

17 January 2014

Nicholas Bangarr from Gunbalanya pulls down a mark in Saturday's match against Tracy Village, as teammates Matt Fairman and Rodney Moore look on. Nicholas Bangarr from Gunbalanya pulls down a mark in Saturday's match against Tracy Village, as teammates Matt Fairman and Rodney Moore look on.

Jabiru Bombers made the most of their home ground advantage last Saturday, running away with a strong victory against visitors Tracy Village.

Try as they might, Tracy Village could not clip the wings of Bombers’ Jake Bonner, who kicked five goals to be named Best Player. Craig Bangar from Gunbalanya added three to the tally.

Assistant Coach Ian Douglass said the boys finished well after a slow start.

“We faced a logistical challenge getting players over the East Alligator River,” Douglass said.

“The game started out a bit disorganised, after we had to ferry about seven players over Cahill’s Crossing in recreational boats.

“This has been a problem ever since the river came up.

“We had a slow start to the game, with only a seven point lead at quarter time.”
But by half time the Bombers were cruising at altitude, posting 9-6-60 to Tracy Village’s 1-3-9.

Team co-captains Micka Onus and Richie Linder put in outstanding performances, as did Anthony Reid and Dylan Cooper from West Arnhem Shire Council’s Youth Development Team.

And the ferry service evidently paid off, with Douglass naming Gunbalanya players Dillon Guymala alongside Craig Bangar in the top six on the day.

The Bombers are holding on firmly to the second rung of the NTFL Division II  ladder.

 “We are equal on points with Olympic, the only difference is percentages,” Douglass said.

The team now look forward to seeing supporters and sponsors out in force for their last home game against Wanderers.

“Our last game in Jabiru is our Sponsors’ Day,” Douglass said.

“There will be entertainment for the kids and we’d like to see a good crowd of supporters making a day of it.”

The game gets underway at 2pm Saturday, January 25 at Brockman Oval, Jabiru.

Bryan Cooper gains ground down the wing in Saturday's match against Tracy Village. Bryan Cooper gains ground down the wing in Saturday's match against Tracy Village.

Dillon Guymala from the Kakadu region takes a strong mark in front of the pack late in the final quarter. Dillon Guymala from the Kakadu region takes a strong mark in front of the pack late in the final quarter.

Bombers' ruckman Anthony Reid (left) contests the centre bounce as teammate Cyril Rioli looks on. Bombers' ruckman Anthony Reid (left) contests the centre bounce as teammate Cyril Rioli looks on.