Smartt’s sensational six propels Bombers firmly into finals contention

By Josh Huntly

Jul 30, 2023

Get Smartt: Oskar Smartt takes a hanger against North Bendigo. Photo: Nicholas Rowlands Photo by Nicholas Rowlands

A six-goal haul to returned youngster Oskar Smartt has seen Leitchville-Gunbower upset yet another Heathcote District league powerhouse and take the next step in what shapes as a stunning run to finals footy.

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A week after cruising past reigning premier Lockington-Bamawm United, this time the Bombers turned the screws on second-placed North Bendigo, running away with a 31-point win over the highly-fancied Bulldogs.

Smartt, in his second game back from AFL National Championship duties for Victoria Country, wasted no time settling back into Gunbower Reserve, helping the Bombers withstand a determined fourth-quarter charge from the Bulldogs to help draw them level on wins with the fifth-placed Cats.

Leitchville-Gunbower coach Shannon Keam said the clash was a “war of attrition” at times in warm conditions, with the Bombers’ ability to spread the footy the key difference.

“It was a warm day, so it was a war of attrition there for a while,” Keam said.

“We got on top of them in the third quarter and held them at bay in the last. We made the ground big and we were able to run and carry the ball.

“It’s been good to have (Oskar) back for a couple of games, he’s definitely a talent.”

Chris Horman chipped in with four goals, taking his tally to 40 for the season as the Bombers’ leading goal-kicker.

Meanwhile, co-captain Jye Keath and ruckman Jobee Warde continued their stellar seasons with another starring role, while Matthew Gray, Storm Giri, and Timothy Devereaux battled for North Bendigo.

In the race for finals, Leitchville-Gunbower’s seventh win has them tied with LBU on seven wins, placed sixth on percentage only.

This comes after the Cats were beaten soundly by White Hills, but despite being on the cusp of a first finals series since 2018, Keam said the club’s focus was simply on controlling what could be controlled.

“We just want to win the last couple, finish off strong, and let the footy gods take care of themselves,” he said.

On the court, Leitchville-Gunbower is aiming to finish off the A-grade season strong and build on last round’s four-goal win over LBU.

The Bombers battled hard against finals aspirant North Bendigo but were beaten 63-36 at Gunbower Reserve.

Leitchville-Gunbower faces Huntly this weekend.