2009 looks bright for Devils

IF Gympie Devils coach Darren Burns is looking for commitment out of his new-look team for 2009 he need look no further than fullback Ben Bambling.

IF Gympie Devils coach Darren Burns is looking for commitment out of his new-look team for 2009 he need look no further than fullback Ben Bambling.

The 65-kilogram pocket dynamo flew home from work in New Zealand to take part in his team's clash against the Bronco's under 20 side and fearlessly lined up time and again to tackle players close to twice his size.

Bambling played a blinder in the Devils' 54-4 loss against quality opposition.

“I am a bit sore - but it was great fun,” Bambling said after the game.

“There were a few big boys out there, number 10 was a unit,” he said.

The Devils' custodian has been working on a small crop farm in New Zealand during the off season and will fly back to New Zealand today to finish work obligations before returning home to play for the Devils in the 2009 season.

“I want to give footy a crack this year.

“It looks like we might go well this season,” he said.

And Bambling assessment of the Devils' future might be right.

The new look Devils played with enthusiasm, vigour and mongrel, especially during the first half.

And a section of play late in the final quarter showed the Devils renewed ability to attack while defending.

A series of bone jarring Devils' tackles forced the Bronco's to spill the ball close to their line allowing new English recruit Jono Smith to barge over for a try a few plays later.

Stand in Devils' coach Bob Leitch said he saw some very positive signs in the Devils play on Saturday night.

“We were very happy with the effort put in by our new guys, but saying that we were very happy with our old, regular faces in the team as well,” Leitch said.

“It was a hard opposition for the boys first up.

“But we really competed well in the first half to be only down by 14.

“The boys defended well and ran some good lines.

“The half time result was great,” he said.

But Leitch said a lack of fitness was the killer in the second half when the super fit Broncos' outfit ran rampant through the middle of the ruck.

“Their speed around the ruck really hurt us,” he said.

Leitch and coach Darren Burns, who arrived at half time after returning from other Wide Bay league commitments, said the team was really appreciative of the huge crowd that turned up to Jack Stokes Oval to cheer on the Devils.

“It's great for the team,” Burns said.

Originally published as 2009 looks bright for Devils