The Bombers led after the first term and were down by just two points at half time, but the Bulldogs piled on 15 goals to three in the second half to win 23.21 (159) to 11.7 (73).
Bombers coach Tim Bannan said there were some positives from his side’s performance, but he said overall it was a frustrating day out.
“It was disappointing. It was probably the most disappointed I have been throughout this season,” Bannan said.
“I thought we got ourselves into a winning position and just didn’t finish the job.”
Just like the week before against Mount Pleasant, the Bombers made a strong start on Saturday.
Three goals to two in the first term had them in front at quarter time and LG trailed by less than a goal at the main break after a tight second term.
“Our first half was brilliant,” Bannan said.
“Not taking anything away from North Bendigo, we know they are a good side, but we did expose them when we ran the footy.
“We played on quickly and we had runners past the footy and I think we did open them up a fair bit in that first half, which was really pleasing.”
But just like the game against Mounts, the third term proved to be the Bombers’ undoing.
LG kicked just one behind for the quarter, while North Bendigo piled on nine unanswered goals. With the result beyond doubt, six goals to three in the final term saw the Bulldogs cruise to a comfortable 14-goal win.
Dylan Klemm was dynamite for the Dogs down forward, booting eight goals on the day.
Bannan said his side’s second half really let them down.
“In the second half we want back to our old ways,” Bannan said. “Our concentration dropped off a bit. We had 22 individuals rather than 22 guys playing for each other.
“There are still some positives, but it was really disappointing this week.”
Nathan McLellan and Joel Regan each kicked three majors for the Bombers, with Bannan saying he was particuarly impressed with Regan’s performance.
“Joel started like a house on fire, he was brilliant in the first half,” he said.
“He was physical, he kicked three goals and set up our first goal and it was brilliant to have him back. But it looks like he’s done his calf so we might lose him for two or three weeks, which is a bummer.”
Bannan said Jobee Warde, Mitch Candy and Billy Hawken were three of the other standout performers for his side.
Elsewhere in the Heathcote Distric League, Mount Pleasant moved into joint top spot with Lockington Bamawm United after a 94-point win over Huntly on the weekend.
Mounts and LBU are set to face off this weekend in a top-of-the-table clash.
The game
North Bendigo: 2.6, 8.7, 17.13, 23.21 (159)
Leitchville Gunbower: 3.4, 8.5, 8.6, 11.7 (73)
Goals
North Bendigo: Dylan Klemm 8, Matthew Gray 4, Jordan Ford 3, Nathan Anderson, Nathan Newlan, Manny Thalasinos 2, Jonas Somerville, Nicholas Waterson
Leitchville Gunbower: Nathan McLellan, Joel Regan 3, Billy Hawken 2, Mitchell Candy, Leyton Shenfield, Liam Hogan
Best
North Bendigo: Nicholas Waterson, Dylan Klemm, Jeremy Lambden, Timothy Devereaux, Manny Thalasinos, Storm Giri
Leitchville Gunbower: Mitchell Candy, Jobee Warde, Matthew McLellan, Nathan McLellan, Billy Hawken, Xavier Colvin
10°C