Battered by floods, the Evans Head Bombers are gunning for a fairytale NRRRL win

After the region was devastated by floods earlier in the year, the Evans Head Bombers are on the verge of a historic victory.

Earlier in the year, with floods devastating large swathes of the Northern Rivers, those involved with the Evans Head Bombers didn’t even know if they’d have a club to support in 2022.

“Coming into March, everyone was devastated by the floods, people were losing their houses. Even myself, I’m still not back in my house – it went completely under,” says vice-president, head trainer and football manager Dave Turner, who lives in the town of Broadwater, 10 minutes north of Evans Head.

“We didn’t know how the club would go, whether we would rebuild, if anyone would turn up to fill a reserve grade side or anything like that.”

The Evans Head Bombers will play in their first grand final in the top grade. Photo: Evans Head Bombers.

While Evans Head itself might not have been as badly affected as some of the other cities and towns in the Northern Rivers, many of the surrounding areas were inundated by floodwaters.

“A lot of the players who are from Cabbage Tree Island, Wardell, Coraki, Woodburn and Broadwater – we’ve even got a few guys who travel from Casino – were also affected.”

But now, six months later, the Bombers are preparing for a historic NRRRL grand final, their first ever in the top grade, in what is shaping as potentially the finest moment in the club’s 23-year history.

“I think everyone sort of needed that something away from that to distract them. We managed to get things back on track, we started well and the season went from there,” says Turner.

“This is our first time ever in first grade, we’re making history.”

Bombers brigade

When the Bombers’ boys run out onto the Bilambil East Sports Field on Sunday afternoon to take on the Bilambil Jets, they certainly won’t be alone.

Even though the trip – at just under an hour and a half – is just about the longest the club has to make in the NRRRL competition, at least two supporters’ buses, in addition to a separate one for the players, will leave from Evans Head Bowling Club to make the journey north.

“One coach got filled in the first day, so there’s definitely going to be a big support base going up there on Sunday,” says Turner.

“We most definitely have the best supporters in the group. In the Byron Bay game, two weeks ago, we dominated the crowd, even at their home field. And it was nearly the same last weekend (against Murwillumbah). The amount of Bombers supporters was ridiculous.”

The Bombers have enjoyed strong support throughout the season. Photo: Evans Head Bombers.

In fact, one of the most heartwarming stories of the season has been how the Bombers have galvanised the support of their local community.

All year, both home and away games have been packed full of fans, with social media alight with videos and photos of the Bombers’ travelling brigade.

As for grand final week, it’s clear that Bombers fever is well and truly sweeping through town.

Club merch is selling like hotcakes, fans are digging out their Bombers jerseys to wear to work, while on Thursday the club held an open training session for former players, fans and anyone else who wanted to come along.

“We would be the smallest club to host a first grade team in the whole area,” says Turner. “The Evans Head community, we’re probably the smallest – and this is just me talking them up – but I think we’re probably the most passionate community football team.”

The big game

Like all good sides, the Bombers have a nice mix of youth and experience.

Led by their captain-coach Trevor Bolt, who plays halfback, and former South Sydney Rabbitohs NRL player Roy Bell, the team has had some steady hands guiding them through the season.

“Roy and Trevor have always played the combinations together in the halves,” says Turner. “They definitely know how each other play and it’s been a very good connection.”

Captain-coach Trevor Bolt is a key player for the bombers. Photo: Evans Head Bombers.

However, complementing this has been the Bombers’ exciting mix of young stars.

Perhaps the brightest of these is fullback Michael Roberts.

The 18-year-old, who is related to both Bolt and Wests Tigers star James Roberts, was recently selected in the Australian Schoolboys team.

The grand final will be his last game in the NRRRL before he joins none other than mastercoach Wayne Bennett at the new Dolphins NRL franchise.

“He’s the talk of the team, and he’s only just turned 18,” said coach Dave Turner. “His goal kicking and his speed are key, he’s definitely one to watch in the future.”

Michael Roberts will play his final game in the NRRRL before joining new NRL franchise the Dolphins. Photo: Evans Head Bombers.

And while the Bombers and their fans will be doing everything to ensure an Evans Head victory on Sunday, given where the club has come from and the year the region has had, in some ways it feels as though they have already won.

“A lot of our players, members and volunteers have all been affected by the floods,” says club secretary Daniel Ainsworth.

“There isn’t anyone who isn’t either directly or indirectly affected, so overall I think it’s great for the community to be able to have something to cheer about.”

NRRRL grand final times

All games to be played on Sunday at the Bilambil East Sports Field.

Ladies League Tag: Marist Brothers Ramettes v Cudgen Hornets, 9:45am

Under 18s: Cudgen Hornets v Ballina Seagulls, 11:15am

Reserve grade: Cudgen Hornets v Murwillumbah Mustangs, 1pm

First grade: Bilambil Jets v Evans Head Bombers, 2:50pm