Victory for Toowoomba in the top end
14 October 2010 By Wayne Sullivan
On a hot Darwin Friday Sydney based ship HMAS Success (CMDR A. Rayner) met Stirling based ship HMAS Toowoomba (CMDR I. Ingram) in a battle of 12-a-side Aussie rules for bragging rights as both ships conducted a port visit in the northern end before taking part in the upcoming fleet training period.
Despite both ships losing players to duty and injuries, some good football was produced at the large oval 2 at Charles Darwin University campus, although the focus was on participation and encouragement.
Searing heat meant that rotations were made at every opportunity as Toowoomba’s fitness shone through over some of the bigger bodied Success boys, as they triumphed by 19 points with a score line of 9-12-66 to 7-5-47.
Despite captain ABMT Rawson Kirkhope booting four goals in the first half, including a monster from outside fifty that made him yell,” BOOM,” as it travelled towards goal, Success found themselves ten points behind at the major change.
The physically draining heat was the major factor of the day, contributing to some stomach emptying on the sidelines by Toowoomba’s ABCTL Lucas Vine, following his exhaustive running efforts. His work rate was duly matched by Success’ own POPT Shane Murphy, who spent minimal time on the interchange and ran hard from the wing to keep Success in the contest.
Toowoomba’s lead was never to be surrendered despite some fierce tackling and intent from Success’ RNZN import and first time player, LSMT Richard Te Nana. Combining that with a running goal from ABSN Claudio Falkiner, Success managed to scrape to within one point deep into the last quarter.
But the spirited come-back was brought to a halt by Toowoomba captain and best on ground SBLT Joshua Sims who took control and showed his class by booting two late goals in response to put the result beyond doubt.
“It was great to organise a game at such short notice and cheers to the Success lads for coming out. Well done to our Toowoomba side for getting over the line in tough conditions.” Sims said of the victory.
Sims also paid tribute to ABMT Ian Fobister, who played a crucial role in the ruck to be named amongst the best on ground. SMNGX Hamish Brown was also given praise for his work in Toowoomba’s strong backline and was named as his side’s second best on ground.
Although the experience of the two captains in the midfield shone through to decide the outcome, the day belonged to the first time players, enjoying themselves with every tackle, bump and run to make the day a fantastic outing for all.
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