Tara Murray
Riddell sits comfortably in the top five after four rounds despite a tough start to the Riddell District Netball League.
With a tough start on paper, the Bombers were unsure how they would go this season with a number of new players in the line up.
Bombers coach Beck Anstey said they were happy how they had been able to start the season.
“I’m pretty happy after yesterday [Saturday]’s win,” she said.
“To be 3-1 I’m pretty happy after what looked to be a tough start to the season. We’ve only dropped one game.
“We’re really confident and we’ll hopefully be able to build on it for the rest of the season.”
The Bombers faced a different test on Saturday against Romsey.
While the Redbacks are yet to win a match, they added a massive inclusion both in size and experience.
Sri Lankan international Tharjini Sivalingam made her debut for the Redbacks and at 208 centimetres provided the Redbacks with a key holding goaler.
Anstey said while they were preparing to possibly play against a tall shooter, they weren’t expecting Sivalingam to play.
With one of their defenders out with illness, it was left to Anstey to take on the role of trying to shut Sivalingam down. Anstey has been playing as a goaler for the Bombers’ C-grade side this season.
“It caught us by surprise,” Anstey said.
“I’ve never felt so small in my life playing against such a high calibre player.
“I have come from a mixed background, so it’s not a bad match up for us. I’m rapt I had the challenge to play on a player like that.”
Anstey said they were able to control the match throughout after getting an early lead. She said they were able to keep on building and they came away with a 68-48 win.
“It was cold, but a lovely game,” he said. “It was really enjoyable.”
Shelby Holter shot 44 goals for the Bombers, with Ellen Close scoring 16 and Amy Starzer with eight goals.
For the Redbacks, Sivalingam scored 40 goals.
The Bombers this week face Diggers Rest.
Anstey said it would be a big challenge for them, despite the Burras having won just one game for the season.
“They are still not easy beats,” she said.
“You can’t underestimate them.”
In other matches, Macedon was too strong for Wallan, winning 60-19.
Henrietta was best on court for the Cats, shooting 47 goals.
Melton Centrals snuck home against Lancefield, winning 50-45, while the Western Rams beat Woodend-Hesket 40-35.
