Bombers and ‘Pies NSW ANZAC Day clash
By Jack McAnespie
The AFL’s traditional ANZAC Day clash between the Essendon Bombers and the Collingwood Magpies was fought out last Friday in front of more than 91,000 fans at the MCG.
Similarly, last Sunday, the Greater Sydney Juniors Competition paid tribute to the celebrated ANZAC Day match, as the Miranda Bombers took on the Western Suburbs/Newtown Magpies in their own version of the famous rivalry.
The traditional precursor to the match involved a reading of the Ode of Remembrance, the playing of the Last Post, the National Anthem, and one minute’s silence in respect of the ANZAC’s.
It was a stirring start to what would be a frantic first quarter on the field, with the Magpies taking it up to their more fancied Bomber opponents.
However, the strength of the Miranda outfit came to the fore in the remaining three quarters, running out eventual winners to the tune of 89 points.
As part of the connection with the AFL’s ANZAC Day ceremonies, the player judged best afield was to be awarded with an ANZAC Day Medal.
Retired Royal Australian Navy Warrant Officer, Brian Woolmer was on hand to present the medal to Paddy Tegg of the Miranda Bombers.
“Winning this medal is on par with winning a best on ground in a grand final,” Tegg said in his post-match speech.
Miranda Bomber’s Secretary Matt Manchester, was thrilled with the day as a whole.
“Not only have we seen a great mark of respect for the sacrifice of our serving men and women, but I think we have created an enduring relationship with our new sporting opponents,” said Manchester.
“We also saw a great game of footy.”
The ANZAC Day clash will not be the last of the themed rounds that the Miranda Bombers will hold this year, with “Dreamtime at Waratah” (during the AFL’s Indigenous Round), and a “Call to Arms Round” (a Cancer Council fundraiser) to be held later in the season at Miranda’s home ground, Waratah Oval.
