Hoppers overcome reigning premier

Despite controlling the play for the majority of the first term, the Hoppers could only manage 2.1 to Leitchville-Gunbower’s 1.2 to take an early five-point lead.

The second quarter was much more productive for Colbinabbin despite kicking into a swirling breeze.

They managed to boot 4.1 to the Bombers’ 1.3 to extend their half-time lead to 25 points.

The Hoppers continued to accelerate away in the third, adding 2.2 to 0.4 to effectively put the game away.

Though as Colbinabbin took the foot off the pedal in the final term, the Bombers arrested momentum and were able to kick three quick goals to reduce the margin to just two goals.

However, the Hoppers experienced campaigners were able to control the tempo and help seal the 16-point victory.

Todd Bryant was enormous with 33 disposals and 11 marks through the middle in a best on ground display.

Ben Southam’s brilliant season continued as he amassed 28 disposals off the half-back flank.

Hadleigh Sirett has established himself as one of the dominant big men in the competition, providing the midfield with first use and competing hard in the air and at ground level.

Other better players were Nick Knight who created plenty of drive from the back half and Mick Battista who was electric up forward.

Scores: Colbo 9.10 (64) d L/G 6.12 (48).

Reserves: The reserves bounced back from a shock loss to Huntly a fortnight ago, cruising to victory against Leitchville-Gunbower in the midday show.

Similar to the seniors, Colbinabbin controlled the majority of the play but were unable to apply scoreboard pressure, kicking 2.3 to the Bombers 1.1 in the first quarter.

The Hoppers clicked into gear in the second running in waves and putting the Bombers defence under pressure, piling on 4.2 to 0.1 to take a commanding 34-point lead into the long break.

A clinical third term saw Colbinabbin add 3.3 to 0.1 to extend their lead to 54 points at the three-quarter-time.

The Bombers took advantage of a depleted Colbinabbin bench and scored two late goals to reduce the final margin to 42 points.

Hugh Barlow was extremely busy in the engine room, dominating the clearances and winning plenty of contested ball in a best on ground display.

Matt McEvoy was sensational in a number of roles, he dominated the ruck and was terrific in defence effecting a number of key spoils.

Jye Patten was all class through the midfield, he also snuck forward to boot three majors.

Other better players were Darcy Taylor whose skill execution and decision making were instrumental and Ryan Oogjes who was terrific on loan from Rochester.

Scores: Colbo 9.11 (65) d. L/G 3.5 (23).

Thirds: The thirds played beautiful football but weren’t able to get the reward on the scoreboard, eventually going down to a slick Bombers outfit.

The Hoppers moved the ball with precision and control and were able to transition from defence to offence, often without risk.

Unfortunately, Colbo lacked height in the front half and the Bombers were able to rebound quickly and make the most of their forward entries.

Charlie Ryan was dominant in middle of the ground, winning the majority of the clearances and working hard to overlap around the ground. Sam Ryan was terrific in the ruck, providing silver service to his big brother and winning plenty of contests around the ground.

Bodey Abbot was brilliant in the midfield, his tackling pressure and courage were real highlights.

Harry Rathjen played a wonderful leaders game at fullback against a much larger opponent.

Other better players were Hugh Kerlin who was busy up forward and Will Webb who worked hard on a wing.

Scores: Colbo 4.0 (24) lt L/G 16.6 (102).

Netball

A grade: Colbo 70 def. L/G 33.

A reserve: Colbo 41 lt L/G 45.

B grade: B grade fought hard all game against Leitchville-Gunbower and were rewarded with a win.

Naomi and Shaz worked tirelessly in defence, creating many turnovers.

Dom Palmer played an excellent game in goals earning herself best on court.

The girls adapted to many changes throughout the game, with the mid-court working hard to bring the ball down the court to the goalers.

The girls managed to take the lead in the final quarter winning by four points.

Scores: Colbo 39 def. L/G 35.

B reserve: After travelling to Leitchville, the girls went out with a bang.

The first quarter was a bit slower than hoped, and the Bombers ended up being just a little too strong.

Superstar Mikayla Palmer was best on with her consistency in defence, and Georgia Morgan fought hard in the ring stopping anything getting to their goalers.

Steph Crouch got a fingertip on nearly every ball while Ebony Graham, Sophie Rathjen, Trish Rathjen and Georgia Waters dominated the attacking end and rebounded well against taller opposition.

Courtney Ladgrove and April Crouch came on in the third with fresh legs to mix up the play.

The girls really put up a fight in the last quarter, to go down by only six goals.

Scores: Colbo 28 lt L/G 36.

U17: The girls played a great game against a strong Leitchville-Gunbower side and continue to work beautifully as a team.

Coach Lisa Myers tried out a few different combinations, proving the team’s versatility and was rewarded with a 29-goal win.

Tahlia Pain had a brilliant game, playing smart in centre before adapting effortlessly into GK.

Zara Myers was superb in defence and saved countless opposition scoring shots, instrumental in keeping her team ahead at every change.

Awards: Tahlia Pain (Subway) and Zara Myers (Rochester Sportspower).

Scores: Colbo 51 def L/G 22.

U15: The girls fought hard all day against a tough Leitchville-Gunbower team.

They only managed one goal in the first quarter, but they pulled together and tried their hardest, endeding the day with 12.

Stella and Rhylie worked hard all game defending the goals, and some good intercepts from Jo saw her receive the Glen Mussared bricklayer award.

Jasmine received her award for her hard work as WD and GS.

Zoe, Monica, Summer and Dana all gave it their best but the Bombers were just too strong for them on the day.

Scores: Colbo 12 lt L/G 27.