Upset win keeps final's hopes alive

 Byrne was scathing of his side’s lack of commitment in the previous week’s loss to Kiama and his demand for a change of attitude was answered in Bomaderry’s 8.5 (53) to 5.12 (42) victory at Artie Smith Oval.

 Jarryd Sue, Jordan Matthews and Matt Polman booted two goals each for Bomaderry but it was the effort around the ground which most pleased Byrne.

‘The performance last week against Kiama wasn’t good enough and a few home truths were told at training,’’ Byrne admitted.

 ‘‘It shows when you have 22 blokes working for each other what you can do.

‘‘It was windy and there was one scoring end and it was tough on both teams but our desire to work for each other was the standout.

‘‘We didn’t dominate any particular facet but just kept turning up and now we have to repeat that effort each week. 

‘‘We’re still a chance of making the top four but only if we turn up like we did today.’’

 Jack Hangan, Bruce Lee and Matt Polman were outstanding for the Tigers, while for Northern Districts it was another below par effort in a season marked by inconsistency.

 The carat of second spot was there for last year’s grand finalists but the Jekyll and Hyde of the competition couldn’t respond a week after beating premiers Wollongong Bulldogs.

  Jack O’Donoghue and Ken Ewen-Chappell tried hard for the disappointing Norths, who had four more scoring shots but didn’t deserve to win.

 Norths remain equal second with the Bulldogs and Kiama Power, who impressed in a win over the Bulldogs in the opening match of round 13 last Thursday. 

Bomaderry are fifth, but only one win two points behind the Power, Norths  and Bulldogs with five rounds remaining.

In Saturday’s other game leaders Wollongong Lions made it nine straight wins outclassing Shellharbour Suns 24.24 (168) to 2.2 (14) at North Dalton Park.

Rohan Watson, Ryan Wells and Ben Green were Lions coach Craig Morrison’s leading contributors as the Lions march on to the minor premiership.

Shellharbour have won three games this season and had several of their best players missing. With the bye in round 14, the Suns should be back to full strength for the next match at home to Kiama.