Umpiring call mars Kambalda conquest
Kambalda's memorable one-point victory was overshadowed by a controversial goal umpiring call which left Boulder coach Brad George stunned and confused in their Goldfields league match.
The Eagles' crucial third win of the year had them move into the top four, but it was the umpiring call which left everyone talking after the match.
Kambalda's Adam Jukes kicked for goal midway through the last term with the ball seemingly falling short of the goal-line.
PICTURES: Daniel Kerr plays for Kambalda
Boulder cleared the ball - transitioning play to Henry Papertalk, who lined up for his fourth goal just 30m out, directly in front.
Lining up to reduce the margin to eight points, Papertalk was stalled before the umpires awarded Jukes' goal, more than a minute after play continued.
The ball returned to the middle with Kambalda taking a 20-point lead.
"When you have a debacle where the ball goes from one end of the ground to the other and they take it back and give it a goal …at the moment, it's very hard to fathom everything that's just gone on," a puzzled George said.
"We're building and the boys worked really hard.
"I told them I tipped the hat to them and they battled on manfully."
George said his side had to "cop it on the chin" and said an explanation from league officials was unlikely.
Key Kambalda recruits Daniel Kerr and Callum Chambers showed class, but it was senior players Steve Simpson and Jukes who best serviced the home side. Vice-captain Simpson kicked four goals and Jukes three to guide the Eagles to a 12. 12 (84) to 13.5 (83) triumph.
A relieved Kambalda coach Justin Tarasinski sung the praises of his senior duo.
"Their presence in the forward line, especially in the second half, was absolutely fantastic," he said.
"Simmo slotted a few and Jukesy's presence and his pressure was great. He has been around the club a long time and he was massive."
Tarasinski said the win was pivotal to his side's chances of making back-to-back finals campaigns.
He added he hoped to use the win as a springboard for the second half of the season.
"I don't think you could write the script any better than a one-point win," he said.
"The boys were a little flat in the first half and I asked for a big effort in the second half.
"Going a game clear and into the top four is obviously massive."
