PDA

View Full Version : North Shore through to grand final (Match report)



Norris Lurker
6th September 2003, 08:30 PM
Under overcast skies in Campbelltown, North Shore easily qualified for their fourth straight grand final; defeating St George by 76 points.
St George had beaten the Bombers at their last start at Gore Hill, and needed a big haul from top goalkicker Peter Dugmore if they wanted to repeat that dose. Dugmore snapped the first goal of the game after 30 seconds, and the Crows were off to the start they wanted.
But the minor premiers were in no mood to let the Crows into the game. Crosby replied with a quick snap, and a 50m penalty set up Anthony Lowes. Utility Marc Rose then made his mark, kicking 3 goals for the quarter. Dugmore got one back for St George, but defender Mark Livy moved forward and kicked truly after the siren to give the Bombers a 31-point lead at quarter time.
St George captain-coach Glen Garner got into the game in the second term, kicking the opening goal before making an impact in the centre. The defence was tighter this term, and it wasn't till the 19-minute mark until the next goal was scored; but once Hosking marked and goaled he was in action, kicking another 3 before the break. Ruckman Ben Shiedow chipped in, and with a 46-point lead at the long break the game was as good as over.
Chris Dale had been quiet until now, and had even spent some of the second term on the bench. But in the third term, kicking to the school end, it was his turn to take over. His first 2 goals were regulation mark-and-kick stuff, but he then flew high to take an absolute screamer that had the entire ground in raptures. Kicking truly extended the Bombers' lead, and Hosking added another a minute liater. Glen Garner got one back for the Crows, but with a 74-point margin at the last change the Bombers were looking ahead to the grand final.
The last term was a much quieter affair, with the Bombers rotating their bench frequently. Ruckman Michael Cowell, who hasn't had much game time lately, would have appreciated the run and particularly his strong mark and goal. Marc Rose added his 4th, a snap on the run with his wrong foot on an impossible angle; which he celebrated by raising his arms to the crowd. Dugmore got one back for St George, but the final siren saw the scoreboard reading North Shore 19.12 (126) defeating St George 7.8 (50).
The Bombers were subdued after the game, coach Chris Rourke running on to ensure the players didn't celebrate or sing the song; pointing out that the job's not done yet. The hurt from last year's defeat still lingers on. It's their 4th straight grand final, but it would be a tragedy for the Bombers if they could only get 1 flag to show for it. It happened to them in the early 1990s, losing grand finals in 1990, 1992, 1993 and 1994.
So the Bombers are through, while St George get another chance next week; taking on the winner of tomorrow's minor semi between UNSW-East Sydney and Campbelltown. North Shore's undefeated reserves are also through, after holding East Coast Eagles goal-less for the first 3 quarters they coasted in the last to win 13.11 (89) to 3.5 (23). But the under 18s will have to go through the hard way, after going down to Pennant Hills in an inaccurate kicking match 7.15 (57) to 6.11 (47).

I'll put the pics up a bit later.

Norris Lurker
6th September 2003, 10:09 PM
The pics are now up. Check out http://www.geocities.com/michael_the_coolperson_2003/nsstg.htm
Enjoy!!!

j s
7th September 2003, 12:31 AM
Originally posted by Norris Lurker
The pics are now up. Check out http://www.geocities.com/michael_the_coolperson_2003/nsstg.htm
Enjoy!!!
No U18 pics :(