Horman and Sverns shine as Leitchville-Gunbower clinches pivotal victory

Shannon Keam’s men jumped out of the blocks with a six-goal first quarter, but the clash quickly took a turn as a spate of injuries reduced the Bombers’ rotations, including what looks like a season-ending injury to consistent midfielder Clay McGregor.

“It was an interesting one. We shot out of the blocks and then we picked up three injuries,” Keam said.

“The balance fell out of our game a bit. I think we had the game in control for most of the day, but Colbinabbin didn’t go away, to their credit.

“We had one with a leg injury, Clay McGregor broke his ankle.”

The Hoppers, led by Benjamin Barton, Jed Brain and Aidan Basile, managed to trim the margin to 10 points at half-time, but a four-goal-to-two third term saw Leitchville-Gunbower pull away yet again.

However, the fourth quarter turned into a reversal of the third as Colbinabbin made a desperate late lunge, but the one-two punch of Chris Horman (five goals) and Lachlan Sverns (four) proved effective as the Bombers pulled away to a 14.10 (94) to 12.11 (83) victory.

Keam said he was pleased with his side’s flexibility after losing personnel early.

“I’m happy with the way the boys adjusted. We had to mix it up and throw a few blokes around,” Keam said.

“Some guys had to play a different role, and when we did play the brand we wanted to, it looked good.

“It’s good that they had a good hit out and won a close game. It’s good for development.”

Horman’s haul carried him past the 50-goal mark, while Sverns was influential once again in what is turning into an effective forward combination. Jobee Warde was prominent in the ruck, while Billy Hawken and Jye Keath continued their consistent form.

“Lachy Sverns was pretty good. He and Chris Horman were dangerous when the ball got inside-50 with speed,” Keam said.

While it was a job well done to secure Leitchville-Gunbower’s ninth win of the season, the club will now have to wait and see if it is enough to qualify for finals.

LBU’s 36-point win over Elmore has kept it in the hunt to usurp the Bombers. It will need to beat Mount Pleasant at Toolleen in round 18 to keep its premiership defence alive.

The Bombers have a bye in the final round.

“It’s a bit of a funny one,” Keam said.

“We’re going to just keep it a bit normal. Obviously, we just sit back and wait, that’s all you can do, to be honest.

“To be honest, the bye’s probably come at a really good time with a few injuries.

“If we get through, we get to freshen up a little bit and have a go, but if we don’t, so be it. We’ve set that foundation for next year.”

Meanwhile, the Bombers’ A-grade netball squad drew its season to a close with a 37-75 defeat to the Hoppers as eyes turn to continuing its rebuild in 2024.

The club’s under-17 side is currently fifth on the ladder, but like the senior football side will need to wait until this weekend to see if it will compete in finals.

The under-13 Bombers have earned qualification and look poised to clinch the minor premiership, sitting atop the ladder with 14 wins and two losses.