It was always going to be a hard day for Leitchville-Gunbower.
A 45-goal loss to Colbinabbin wasn't the result - or deficit - the Bombers were after, but according to co-coach Kate Donohue, the score line was not at all reflective of the skill and effort of her young side.
“Our defence end is amazing and doing a great job against these strong competitors,” Donohue said.
“(On Saturday) we missed a lot of goals, which was probably why the end result blew out like it did.
“Colbo had a quick start and continued that all day and we probably just lacked keeping up with their speed.
“There is promise in our team.”
Among the Bombers best was several of their young guns coming through the ranks.
“Maddy Elliott stepped into our A grade side and didn't look like she was out of place by any means,” Donohue said.
“She even played an under 17 game prior to that.
“And Georgia McKellar was our best on, she's about 20, so our young girls are doing really well within in our team under the guidance of Ash (Bradley).”
Like many clubs around the region, the Bombers are also struggling with a number of injuries, with last year's COVID-19 enforced lay off now coming back to bite players.
“I think that (year off) is definitely having an impact,” Donohue said.
“And having a year off that complete netball fitness as well, its totally different to any gym or running.
“The court is so different.”
Heading off to Mount Pleasant this Saturday, Donohue said the Bombers would continue to build each week.
“Our voice right across the court is something we want to focus on,” she said.
“And just that support around each other, hands over the ball, those kind of focuses as a group.”