A gutsy come-from-behind win against the Southport Sharks has seen the Redland Bombers move one step closer to securing a NEAFL finals berth.
The game was played in fine conditions at Fankhauser Reserve with a fast-paced opening and finals-like intensity.
Both teams traded goals in the opening term with hard running and uncontested ball a feature. Forwards were finding space with the ball transitioning from defence at regular intervals.
Despite trailing by a goal at quarter time, the Bombers were playing with good energy and intent but they were being exposed defensively by a committed Sharks outfit.
As if to script, the second quarter had everything the first was lacking with hard contested footy coming to the fore and both sides locking down defensively.
Redland scored the only goal for the quarter which narrowed the margin to two points at the main break.
Kicking to the scoring end the Sharks lifted their rating and in a low scoring encounter a twenty point deficit at three quarter time looked ominous for the Bombers.
Stand in coach Chris David remained positive at the break encouraging the Bombers to take on the game and run and carry at all times.
Clearly the amount of hard running done by both sides was going to make this contest a survival of the fittest and when Matt Thomson snapped the first goal it was game on.
The Sharks replied to restore the 20 point buffer and then the Bombers switched into gear.
Another snap from Thomson then two key centre clearances from Sam Godfrey gave forward Cleve Hughes the opportunity to narrow the gap.
Godfrey again came to the fore with a tremendous run down chase as the ball rebounded with Hughes marking in the goal square to put the Bombers in front for the first time since early in the game.
Hughes sealed the deal with a free kick which he duly converted from 25m out and the Bombers won a classic encounter 10.11.71 to Southport 9.9.63
In an even team performance where someone always stood up when needed, the Bombers were well served by Darren Pfeiffer and Brad Howard in defence.
Exciting youngster Ben Keays was clean in his ball handling and made good decisions. Luke Scott was a rock in defence and Damian Steven continued his rich vein of form in the midfield
Another tough challenge lies ahead for the Bombers when they play fourth-placed Aspley this Saturday at Graham Road. The game starts at 1.30pm.
