The Bowral Mens first grade have taken out the Southern Highlands Hockey competition for the 2001 season. In a skilled and determined display the boys were able to win the game that counts against their rivals, Mittagong Lions, with a goal in the first two minutes of extra time.
After a dusty start to the year captain/coach Wayne Knapp has really formed a good combination. The loss of a lot of first graders at the start off the year meant that the club was in for a hard road for the season. However with the inclusion of Wade Bedson and Wayne Briggs and the return of Evo at about round four of the competition. John Bunter also made his return at around this time and what a year he ended up having, even though missing the early games, John was still able to be a joint winner in the Association first grade best and fairest. Congratulations to this bloke who is a great team man.
Back to Saturday, in a high quality game, Mittagong were first to score. But the Bowral boys knuckled down well to get back to their own game plan. The defence of Briggsy and Possum backed up by Ben Lipps made a big difference during this period.
Knappy and Ronny started to get control in the centre of the field and the Bowral Boys went to the break behind on the scoreboard but still very much in the game. The second half like the first began strongly for the Bowral team with Jason Dawes and Jeremy Loveridge combining well together down the left side. But it was the combination of Ron Allen, John Bunter and Wade Bedson down the right side of the field that got Bowral back into the game. Wade Bedson was easily the most dangerous forward all day scored the equaliser after a fast break in play. It wasn’t long after this that Wade Bedson was again involved to give a final pass to John Bunter, who had perfectly positioned himself to put Bowral in front for the first time in the match.Ron Allen was now stamping his class on the game , causing Mittagong many headaches, but to their credit Mittagong were able to knock another one in to again equalise the match. The performance of blokes like rookie keeper, Dominic Whitton was fantastic, Dominic made all the right options when required. With Wayne Knapp off the field injured, the Bowral Boys were able to hold out over the last few minutes till full time.
After a short break it was into extra time with the first to score to win the match and the premiership.
Bowral took the hit off and the Mittagong defence were concentrating on Ronny and Wade. But Bowral had another bloke who had been playing well all day and that was Neil Howe. Turtle basically got hold of the ball and took it all the way to the circle to force a short corner. The rest is now history with Ron scoring the winning goal to give Bowral its second premiership in the last 3years. It was a great effort from the boys and it shows what a team of good mates can do if they put their minds to it.
Special mention goes to subs Paul Dawes and Ian Maguire. Redman, who has had a great year was injured two weeks ago and could have played, but it shows what a tight knit group this is as he stood by as an emergency sub.
Again congratulations to all the boys, and we will see everyone at the presentation night on the October 6.
PRESENTATION NIGHT:
Seniors Presentation night is on the October 6 at the Bowral Country Club. Numbers and names must be booked as soon as possible with Jenny on 48623553 or Liz on 48622174, no later than the 3rd October.
All perpetual trophies should have been returned, if you still have one please return it to any committee member ASAP.
Junior Presentation is to be held at Wombaroo on October 28, please contact your team coach or Jenny on 48623553 for further details.
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