AT halftime of Hamley Bridge’s home fixture against Virginia, it looked like it was going to be another season of despair for the Bombers, heading into the rooms down 0-4-4 to 9-7-61.
However, the side that came out for the second half played like a completely different outfit, outscoring the Rams in the second half in a crucial display of fortitude.
For the visitors, hulking full-forward Brendan Niklaus was his dominant self, kicking six of his team’s 16 goals, while new recruits Ronnie and Matthew Rankine combined for seven more.
Virginia coach Denis Eaton accepted the second half drop-off was a product of a side needing more minutes on the park together as a unit, but heaped praise on the effort of Hamley Bridge.
“We started well yesterday, but a lack of conditioning and time to gel definitely hurt us with 12 new players, including four debutants,” he said.
“We have a lot of improving to do in all facets of our game, and the (bye this week) will be perfect for us.
“I take my hat off to Hamley Bridge – (Bombers coach) Brett (Burgess) has done some great work with recruiting and structure... they were very good.
“I wish them all the best this year, it’s great to see clubs rebuild, and they have a long tradition in the APFL.”
Eaton pointed out the efforts of Ben Russell and Tyrone Milera in the midfield, while Jaiva Andres, grandson of Mallala legend Eugene Warrior, was exciting, kicking three goals.
For Hamley Bridge, the result marked its 53rd consecutive home-and-away loss in the APFL, but if the side has truly taken a significant step forward, its trip to Angle Vale will be viewed as a chance to break the streak.