Having finished a creditable third in the competition rounds, the Bangalow Bluedogs Grade 13 Boys First Division qualified for a home-ground semi-final encounter with fourth-placed Mullumbimby Brunswick on Saturday 27th August.
And so it was, after a dark and stormy night, that the players, coaches and supporters from both teams met at Bang West for the game to decide who would go on to the preliminary final, and who would bow out.
Despite sporadic precipitation during the morning, even the hardy spectators, bolstered by coffees and hot chocolates from the Coffee Van, were happy for the game to proceed, and the players of course revelled in the idea of getting down and at least getting wet.
The Game: A hard-fought game followed the ref’s starting whistle, with our three guest players, Ethan, Jarrah and Callum from the Bluedogs Grade 12 “Ninjas” more than pulling their weight to contribute to, at the thirteenth minute, Tom Mc putting an emphatic ball into the old “onion bag” (Thanks, Steve!), and the score was ONE – NIL!!
As the rain and wind manifested themselves on and off through the half, some tight play eventually saw Mullum get the ball into the net at the twentieth minute, and again three minutes later. This put the score at 2-1, where it remained to the break.
Back on the field, and try as both teams might, the goals just weren’t coming, but just before full-time, Mullum succeeded, to take the score to 3-1, and that was that.
Congratulations to all our Bangalow players for your commitment throughout the season. It’s wonderful to see that you are all still enjoying the game, keeping fit, and improving your skills - plus learning how to get up early on Saturday mornings!
Super thanks to our coach Dustin for all the time and expertise you have contributed to the team, and likewise to our assistant coach, Lyle for all that you have done for the team. Special mention also to Mick R for helping out whenever required, and also to Chris for the half-time healthy refreshments for the players. And everyone else!
See you at the presentation on Tues 20th September, and we look forward to another great season next year.
P.S. Have a look in the website’s Photo Gallery for some shots of the team in action earlier in the year against the Richmond Rovers.