Tara Murray
A complete performance has Riddell confident heading into the rest of the Riddell District Netball League finals.
After a disappointing loss to Wallan in the qualifying final, the Bombers bounced back against Melton Centrals on Sunday.
The Bombers jumped out to a 10 goal lead at quarter time and were able to build on that throughout, winning 56-32.
Bombers coach Emily Ktona said it was a much better performance than the week before.
“We jumped them a bit early and we had a 10 goal lead at quarter time,” she said.
“It set us up and we were hoping to get a good start. We didn’t have to chase and we were able to conserve some energy in the other three quarters.”
With the lead doubling by half time, the Bombers were able to throw their combinations around.
Every player got a minimum of two quarters of court.
Ktona said that the standard didn’t drop when they made all their chances.
“The lead got out to 20 and then it was 24 at three quarter time and a similar margin at the end of the game,” she said.
“We had different combinations and having Ruby Shannon back was massive.”
Shannon returned from the Australian under-21 tour of Fiji. Ktona said it was up to her if she played and she was happy to.
She was rested after half time.
Ktona said everyone contributed to what was a really strong team performance.
“Ruby gave us everything that she had,” she said. “Madi Browne was outstanding in the middle as well.
“Shelby [Holter], Sahara [Ball] and Ellen [Close] did well when they had the opportunity and Finn [McKeagney-Stubbs] and Georgia [Shattock] were good in defence.
“Everything clicked and I would have hated to give votes today.”
Holter shot 29 goals for the Bombers.
The Bombers now face Wallan in the preliminary final. The Magpies lost the other semi final to Woodend-Hesket which awaits the winner of the preliminary final.
Ktona knows they have a big challenge.
“Wallan is the only team we have not beaten,” she said. “We’ve had a different team each time.
“We know what to expect and we will take confidence of how complete our performance was.
“A three goal loss last time was sad, but that’s nothing. We’ll play with full confidence that we can get the win.”
It was a good weekend for the Bombers, with their B-grade, C-grade and under-19s all winning through to the grand final.
The D-grade side will play in the preliminary final next week.
