SATURDAY marked an historic day for the Bomaderry Tigers club in more way then one.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Not only did they win both the division two and three men’s premierships, but they also took home the first ever women’s flag – defeating the Wollongong Lions 1.6-12 to 1.4-10 at North Dalton Park.
In windy conditions, neither team kicked a major until Maddy Collier Medallist Sophie Phillips booted the Tigers’ first, in the final few minutes before the break – as the black and gold led by seven points.
That lead stretched to eight points by three-quarter-time, but Tigers’ captain/coach Kristie Lee Dickson knew they still had plenty of work to do in the second half.
“The message at three-quarter-time was our usual message, to keep playing the exact same brand of football we have been playing all season,” Dickson said.
“But we emphasised that this was the last quarter of the season and we needed 15 more minutes of everyone’s complete effort – we don’t want to let it slip now.
“We don’t want anyone coming off the field with anything left in the tank.”
The Lions reduced the margin to just two points midway through the final term, when Kelsey Clements kicked a goal – setting up a grandstand finale to the season.
“In the final five minutes, the ball was camped in our 50m arc and all I and fellow forward Josie [Hudson] could do is watch nervously, waiting for the siren to sound,” Dickson said.
“But as soon as that siren went, we both sprinted down and celebrated with the girls – it was amazing!
“Overall, I thought the game was hard fought and our girls pushed as hard as they could all game.
“You could tell both teams were nervous and the pressure was on from the start and the end low score was a result of that. But I think our tight loss to the Lions two weeks ago helped us maintain our composure and win.”
In the win, Phillips took out best on ground honours, being well supported by Grace Chapman, Jess Thomas, Bridget Kellett, Jess Liddiard and Kate Bramley.