Needing a win against the bottom placed Bulldogs to keep their aspirations of a top-five finish alive, the Bombers edged out North Bendigo 54-50, a win that moves them to the cusp of a finals spot.
Bombers coach Lauren Dehne said it was a quality game of netball on Saturday afternoon in North Bendigo.
“It was a really nice game to watch. I thought both teams played really well and in the right spirits,” Dehne said.
The Bombers built a solid lead and were up by 10 goals heading into the final term, holding off a late Bulldog comeback to win by four.
“North Bendigo were coming home strongly. I don’t think we got complacent, they just got a run on and momentum shifted their way but we were able to hold on, which was pleasing,” Dehne said.
Forced to reshuffle the side after a couple of players were late withdrawals, Dehne said she was happy with the all-round team effort.
“The thing that pleased me the most was that it was one of those true team performances — everyone on court played their role and everyone looked like they were playing for each other,” she said.
“We had some players out sick, so our goal shooter had to play goal keeper and our wing defence was playing goal defence and they did such a great job.
“The attitude towards it is what you want as a coach. They took it on board, gave it a crack and did such a good job. Our attack end really stepped up too and they thrived.”
The Bombers coach said Gemma Angove had a fantastic game and was the best on court for her side.
“Our best player was Gemma, it was probably the best game I have ever seen her play,” Dehne said.
“She really stepped up in the absence of our other two defenders and showed a lot of on-court leadership.”
Leitchville Gunbower remains in eighth spot on the ladder, but the win means they now sit just one win behind fifth-placed Huntly (5-7).
With a 4-8 record, the Bombers have the same number of wins as Heathcote and Lockington Bamawm United.
With four rounds still to play, the Bombers will come up against Colbinabbin, Elmore, White Hills and Heathcote.
Elsewhere in the Heathcote District League, White Hills handed Elmore its first loss of the season with an emphatic 66-57 win on Saturday.
The Demons (12-1) sit in top spot on the ladder just above the Bloods (11-1), who have a game in hand.
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