UPDATE: The Bombers faced a devastating defeat in the Riddell District Netball League grand final, falling to the Woodend-Hesket Hawks with a final score of 57-39. This loss marks a third consecutive year of heartbreak for the Bombers, who were determined to finally claim the championship title.
Just moments ago, the final whistle confirmed the Hawks’ dominance, as they capitalized on early mistakes from the Bombers to build a commanding lead. The match began evenly, but by the end of the first quarter, the Hawks had surged ahead by five goals, marking the beginning of a challenging game for the Bombers.
Throughout the match, the Bombers struggled to regain control. Coach Emily Ktona expressed disappointment, stating, “I feel like we had our moments, but Woodend was far too good.” Despite some strong defensive plays, the Bombers could not close the gap and ultimately fell short once again.
The Bombers entered the match already facing significant challenges. They were without key player Fionnuala Mckeagney-Stubbs, who is overseas, as well as young goaler Sahara Ball, who was competing with the Australian under-19 squad in Canberra. The situation worsened when captain Ellen Close sustained a leg injury early in the first quarter and did not return to play.
As the Hawks extended their lead into the second half, the Bombers struggled to find their rhythm. Ktona noted that “it took Mez [Meredith Ball] a little while to get going,” reflecting on the team’s difficulties without key players. She acknowledged the impact of losing both Sahara and Ellen on the court, leading to disjointed offensive plays.
“Just Woodend far too strong again. Maybe on the fourth time lucky, see how we go,” Ktona added, highlighting the team’s resilience despite the defeat.
On a brighter note, the Bombers’ B-grade side celebrated a successful season, clinching back-to-back premierships with a convincing 55-40 victory over Lancefield. After trailing by six goals at quarter time, they rallied impressively, showcasing their strength and determination throughout the season.
As the dust settles on another disappointing grand final for the Bombers, the focus now shifts to future opportunities. Fans and players alike remain hopeful for a turnaround in the coming years, eager for the Bombers to finally break their streak of near misses.
Stay tuned for updates on the Bombers’ offseason strategies and potential player developments as they aim to return stronger than ever.
