Congratulations to the WESTERN CRUSADERS!!!
VIC BOWL XXXIV CHAMPIONS.
In what were sunny yet very windy conditions down in Corio, we were set to see an interesting battle between the undefeated Western Crusaders and the Vic Bowl veterans the Monash Warriors. Although he hadn’t played since the end of September, it didn’t take to long for Crusaders Import QB Andrew Healy to hit a target and get the Crusaders Offense moving down field after the opening kickoff. On a well put together drive the Crusaders were first to score but failed on the 2 point conversion. It didn’t take much longer for them to score for a 2nd time in the quarter but failing on the 2 point conversion once again.
The Warriors were unable to move the ball against the Crusaders Defense with RB Luke Jackson having no impact and QB Dom Dearman throwing picks (4 on the day). By the half time break the Crusaders were up 18-0 after not converting a 3rd 2 point attempt.
After the half there seemed to be a change in the backfield for the Warriors with Jackson not sighted. Although the Warriors managed to get a few yards on the ground and in the air, the Crusaders were relentless adding another 2 TD’s before the Warriors finally hit the scoreboard with a TD of their own. The game, which was already over by now, was well and truly put to bed with a huge pick 6 by the Crusaders. The Defense managed to get a few Sacks in of Dearman before the final whistle blew.
VIC BOWL XXXIV – Western Crusaders 36 Defeated Monash Warriors 6
As I did last season with Division 2. I will rate the 2018 Season of each club with a grading of A – F
BALLARAT FALCONS – C
Despite having 1.5 forfeits they had a better record against their previous DIV 2 foes. They were one of many who suffered with the single Division. In a country town they will hope the shifting of next season will bring some new players to the club.
BENDIGO DRAGONS – C+
Their 3 imports definitely made a difference but they also struggled against the stronger Div 1 teams. A close defeat to the Warriors was a highlight of the season.
CROYDON RANGERS – B
Beat who they usually/had to beat but couldn’t knock off the teams above them. A lot of guys that have been around for quite sometime. Will some of them hang up the boots? They might suffer a little if that happens.
GEELONG BUCCANEERS – C+
After electing to drop to Div 2 before that was scrapped, they proved the drop would have been a mistake as they defeated all former Div 2 teams comfortably. The only game that stood out was the near loss to the Raiders who would have been a Div 1 team anyway.
MELBOURNE UNIVERSITY ROYALS – B+
Looked to be the 2nd best side in the competition but fell apart when it mattered the most. They will improve again and might be the next challenger.
MELTON WOLVES – D
A year they would look back on and think “What happened?”. Large player numbers but consistency on game day was an issue. Should see an improvement next season.
MONASH BARBARIANS – D
They really struggled with the League format but to their credit they never forfeited a single game.
MONASH WARRIORS – B
Not an outstanding season but got the job done when it mattered. Made it to the Vic Bowl but didn’t do as well as they would have liked. Is it time Dom Dearman handed the reins over to James Avia?
NORTHERN RAIDERS – C+
A slow start but even with low numbers they performed better than most would have thought. If they could just get more players there is no reason why they can’t take another step forward.
PAKENHAM SILVERBACKS – F
No other way to put it but F = Forfeit. Which is exactly what they did for the majority of their games.
PENINSULA SHARKS – E
Thrown to the Sharks………..probably a poor choice of words. They could only do what they could do and that was show up, play to their abilities and learn as they went. Need to keep recruiting.
SOUTH EASTERN PREDATORS – C+
Beat up on all the former Div 2 teams but unable to make an impact against the rest. Their 3 imports were the best 3 players, with the exception of about 3 locals. Need to recruit left over Monash players to help boost playing numbers.
WESTERN CRUSADERS – A
Undefeated AGAIN, Vic Bowl Champions AGAIN, Coach of the Year AGAIN and I can’t see anything changing next year. New facilities heading their way also. Look forward to seeing that.
A long season and I wish to thank everyone that contributed with information.
Josh Faure and John Trana – Royals
Bobby Vahos – Predators
Craig Wilson – Crusaders
Eddie Carey – Falcons
Garry Smith – Sharks
Jamie Stafford – Rangers
Marc Dauria and Kane Taylor – Raiders
Thomas Prince – Dragons
See you all next season!!!!!
