UPDATE: The Bombers’ hopes for a championship title have shattered once again as they succumbed to the Woodend-Hesket Hawks in the Riddell District Netball League grand final, falling short with a score of 57-39. This defeat marks the third consecutive year the Bombers have faced heartbreak in the ultimate showdown, leaving fans and players reeling.
The intense match took place earlier today, with both teams showcasing their skills as the season’s top contenders. Despite a promising start, the Bombers fell behind late in the first quarter, trailing by five goals at the break. The Hawks seized control, methodically extending their lead throughout the match. Bombers coach Emily Ktona expressed disappointment, stating, “We didn’t fire on the day and threw too much ball away in the end.”
In a challenging outing, the Bombers were already missing key players, including Fionnuala Mckeagney-Stubbs, who is overseas, and young goaler Sahara Ball, currently representing the Australian under-19 squad in Canberra. The situation worsened when captain Ellen Close was forced off the court with a leg injury early in the first quarter, compounding the challenges for the Bombers’ attack.
Ktona noted the impact of these losses, saying, “Not having Sahara and Ellen on the court was a big loss for us, and it didn’t flow as well as we would have liked.” Despite the adversity, players Lauren Nolan and Georgia Shattock delivered commendable defensive performances, with Nolan effectively matching up against the Hawks’ Rebecca Hicks.
The Bombers had high hopes, aiming to turn their luck around after two previous grand final losses. Ktona remained proud of her team’s achievements this season, highlighting their impressive run to finish second on the ladder with only four losses. “Just Woodend far too strong again. Maybe on the fourth time lucky, see how we go,” she added, looking forward to future opportunities.
In a contrasting outcome, the Bombers’ B-grade side celebrated victory against Lancefield, securing a 55-40 win and back-to-back premierships after overcoming a six-goal deficit at quarter time. This triumph reflects the resilience and talent within the Bombers’ ranks, even as the senior team grapples with their own heartbreak.
As the dust settles on the grand final, the Bombers will regroup and strategize for the next season, with hopes of finally capturing that elusive title. Fans and players alike are left contemplating what could have been, but the fight for victory continues.
