THE Camden Haven Bombers recorded their inaugural first grade win in only their second outing in the top grade at the weekend.
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Playing at Laurieton Oval in the second round of the AFL North Coast season, Camden Haven recorded its first win in senior competition in style.
Playing against an undermanned North Coffs, the Bombers were able to stay ahead of the Kangaroos while kicking into a strong wind before kicking 19 goals to two when it was at their backs.
Camden Haven won 30.19 (199) to North Coffs 10.3 (63).
Coach Peter Gallagher did an amazing job turning the team around in the space of a week.
"We played today like we trained during the week and we stepped it up a bit after the loss to Coffs Swans in round one," Gallagher said.
"It's really pleasing to see the club get this result but there's still a long way to go and we need to keep working as a group to show that we can be competitive with the top teams." Brad Smith stepped up for the Bombers in the absence of No 1 ruckman Angus Crowley and played a major role.
He had great support around the packs from Matt Gallagher, Kingsley Pursch, Andy Gallagher and Brice Hayward.
The young players coming through are having a major role in the Bombers success with Bill Laurie making a solid debut, Kane Hedges and Andy Stokes solid once again, and Jake Taylor making a rugged return to Aussie rules, kicking two goals.
Dean King and Paul Mance had an impact off the bench and Jack Tate was at his damaging best for the first half.
The Bombers now have a weekend off with the Easter break before travelling to Sawtell in the first road trip of the year on April 26.
Best players v North Coffs: Brad Smith, Matt Gallagher, Wil Wright, Jack Tate, Kingsley Pursch, Brice Hayward.
Goalkickers: (4 to Brad Smith, 3 to Chris Wright, Tyson Wiegold, Jack Tate 2 to Jake Taylor, Matt Gallagher, Brice Hayward, Dean King, and 1 each to Kingsley Pursch, Gordon Wiegold, Andy Stokes, Jayden Wilson, Kane Hedges, Luke Boxhall, Dylan Rumble.
In the Under 18s game, the Bombers combined with Macleay Valley Eagles but went down by five goals after a spirited second half comeback.
Darby Bennett was outstanding and is picking up where his injured brother Wil left off last year.
He crashed the packs, flew in the air and rallied in defence in one of his strongest displays for the club.
Jared Taylor is also improving each week and Peter Prendergast showed glimpses of yesteryear making his presence felt in defence and attack.
In other Camden Haven AFL news, Auskick takes a break for two weeks on Sunday mornings with school holidays and Easter intervening.
A temporary draw has been relayed to clubs awaiting approvals for Under 15s, 13s and 11s to start AFLMNCJ on April 27.
For more club information, phone Todd Clarke on 0404 090 732.