Midtown Bombers               2.5    5.9    10.12    13.17   (95)
Druid Hills Highlanders        1.1    3.4        4.5       6.5    (41)

MATCH REPORT

In a weird twist players were presented with probably the coldest morning of the season in the last round with a steady and biting cold wind blowing across the field towards I-20. As usual the league leaders Midtown had assembled a solid squad of players with experience and some of their lively new recruits. Notables missing in the line up though were Damien Sheehan and Mr Cave who had perhaps decided rugged up in some warming woolen trends was a much better idea of fun.

Druid Hills also were without a few notables. Regular Brent Kewley was absent as was Brian Lucy who had made a nice impression the previous week but was not there to try and reduce the effectiveness of the Midtown talls who normally dominate the center taps.

Quarter one was a scrappy affair as players adjusted to the conditions. Midtown were certainly having more of the ball with Adam Jennings and Ed Robinson as usual taking control in the middle. Around the grounds though Ross Larossa, Andy Ciganek and Alan Mobley were doing enough for Druid Hills to restrict the Bombers and perhaps apply enough pressure to force a few errors. At the first break no one was reaching for a cold drink yet but the Bombers led by 10 points.

The second term started to see a trend. Where Midtowns goals were coming from long kicking into a target in the forward line or from an attacking play from the likes of Curtis Jones in the backline, Druid Hills had to scrape and scramble to get goals on the board. But to their credit just when Midtown looked like they were going to take the game away Druid Hills fought back. Their effort not always rewarded with a goal but the signs were enough to show they still were giving 100%. At half time it was Midtown in front increasing their lead to 17 points, a margin that was seeing the chance of a title again slipping away from Druid Hills.

Third quarters are well known for being Premiership quarters and this was the case again today. Midtown came out and took the game by the scruff of the neck. Led by their Captain Curtis Jones the Bombers hammered the Highlanders in all areas and kicked 5 telling goals to 1 from Druid Hills. The combination of Jennings & Robinson in the center, Batten & Heffernan up forward and the aggressive stance of the Hodge brothers was too much for Druid Hills to stand. It was similar to a lot of games this year where teams have been competitive in a quarter or two against Midtown but Midtown's consistency to keep attacking and scoring overwhelms teams eventually. The last change it was Midtown by 43 points and they virtually had the cup in their grasps and the beer running down their chins.

The last term was again won by the Bombers with Jones and Jennings the standouts for the Bombers whilst again for Druid Hills it was the consistent Mobley and the flashy Larossa that did well. The Midtown Bombers taking their final game by an impressive 54 points and rightly the accolade of the best team in the Spring AARFL and the Premiership Trophy. Congratulations to the Midtown Bombers on their 6-0 season. Druid Hills again showed promise all year but were the bridesmaids again but should also be congratulated. They take the game right up to any team they play with their aggressive running style of play and never give in attitude. A definite lack of height on their team appears to be a factor and its likely they will look to recruit some more experienced players along with new blood to try improve in the fall.

Midtown contrastingly have height and talent to burn. A great mix of talls with skill and athleticism has meant they could be competitive no matter what the scenario. Its hard to see where they might look for improvement and it must be scary for other teams to consider they will be a better team again in the Fall with more experience gained by their new recruits.

DRUID HILLS
Best- Larossa, Mobley, Ciganek, Crist, Rogers
Goals- Bartlett 4, Larossa 2

MIDTOWN
Best- Jennings, Jones, Robinson, Batten, Heffernan.
Goals - Jones 4, Batten 3, Heffernan 2, Jennings 2, Robinson & Rd Hodge 1 each.

Decatur Devils                     8.2    11.2     13.4     18.7   (115)
Roswell Rebels                    0.2      3.6      6.10     9.12    (66)

MATCH REPORT

In the second match it was Roswell trying to salvage a win from a very lonely season. A stark contrast from the previous season where they knocked off Druid Hills on the final day to win the title. This week all they wanted was a win and four points next to their name. Unfortunately Decatur had different ideas and in the first quarter piled on 8 unanswered goals in the biggest first quarter by any team this year.

Warren Ballagh finally making it down to play for Decatur was certainly a huge bonus for Decatur. Ballagh's long goals were similar from what we had seen from some of the Midtown players this year and certainly was a delight to see. This took the pressure off the likes of Beh and Kraska to score. Also returning after his ING marathon effort was Jim Whooley. His goal sense up forward added even more potency to the Devils forward line.

For Roswell Hugo Sach was back and thank goodness as he stemmed many an attack and gave the Rebels some impetus into the forward half. Justin Diamond again was having a red hot go and in the backline new recruit Jewel Grier was making a few people take notice with his attacking play and good judgement. The second term it was three goals each with Roswell probably ruing their poor start being still the 8 goals behind.

The last two terms saw Roswell kick three goals a quarter once again with Decatur adding 7 in what was an even half of footy from both teams. Ballagh was the dominant player on the ground and Beh was not far behind him kicking a lot more accurately this week. For Roswell goals to living legend Marty Hyder and youngster Thomas Berry were great to see.

The final result was a 49 point win to Decatur in what turned out to be a nice friendly game of footy where really nothing was on the line but a little pride. A good hit out for many of these players for a Kookas game maybe next week.

Looking towards the Fall competition Decatur look to have the makings of a good team. A lot like Roswell however they need to get all their players there every week to remain competitive. Decatur probably will be looking for some more midfielders to add to their stock and maybe some more height. Roswell have some excellent young players that need more game experience but the signs are great if they stay at it. There is probably also a need for more midfielders like Decatur in their mix, probably not as easily found as one would like though.  

ROSWELL
Best- Diamond, Grier, M Frost, Sach, Berry
Goals-  Diamond 2, Sach 2, Hyder 2, Monsour 2, Berry 1.

DECATUR
Best- Ballagh, Beh, Poole, Monkhouse, Kraska, Whooley
Goals - Ballagh 6, Whooley 5, Beh 4, Kraska 3.