Bombers keep finals dream alive with win against Saints

By Oliver Shedden

Aug 18, 2024

Heathcote’s Isobel Caughey reels in a lobbed pass over L-G’s Madison Elliott. Photos: Matthew Kappos

Leitchville-Gunbower A-grade has lived to fight another day after a convincing win over Heathcote in the elimination final of the Heathcote and District Netball League.

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Both teams showed out in the first quarter, but it was the Saints who got the upper hand, scoring 13 goals while the Bombers secured 10, keeping pace at the first break.

L-G well and truly took the lead in the second period, showing out on its home court, bagging a staggering 19 goals and holding Heathcote to 10, taking a six-point lead at the half-time siren.

Heathcote’s Georgia Bolton swings the ball back towards her defence. Photo by Matthew Kappos

Following a rest for both sides, the Bombers were brought back to earth, resuming regular scoring pace and totalling 10 for the third term, with the Saints outscoring them by one to trail by five with a tight final quarter waiting.

Ava Hamilton is all focused. Photo by Matthew Kappos

While L-G took a break from its relentless play in the third, it was back at it again down the home stretch, piling on 17 goals in crunch time and locking Heathcote up on defence to secure an impressive 13-point victory.

The final score was L-G 56 to Heathcote 43.

A clutch effort from the A-grade Bombers means they will now go up against Colbinabbin in White Hills next week.

Remi Phillips looks to advance the ball for L-G. Photo by Matthew Kappos

The sides have faced off twice this year with L-G winning the first encounter in round two by eight goals while Colbinabbin won the second contest in round 11 by the same margin.

With a spot in the preliminary final at stake it is truly anyone’s game.