Tara Murray
Riddell will be hoping to bounce back from a poor start to the Riddell District Netball League finals series.
The Bombers faced Wallan in a qualifying final on Saturday, which turned out to be a hard fought low-scoring affair despite the sun being out at Romsey Park.
The Magpies led by a goal at quarter time and it was the same margin at half time.
Scores were level at the final break at 25-all.
The Magpies managed to hold their composure better in the last quarter to seal a 32-29 win.
Bombers coach Emily Ktona said it was a disappointing result for her side.
“Credit to the Wallan team,” she said. “It was a bit of a game of turnovers and we didn’t play the way that we wanted to play.
“It was pretty windy and neither side had the goal shooting percentage they would have liked. The rings were really bouncy as well.”
Ktona said they had chances in the last quarter to take the lead with their centre pass to come but they weren’t able to make the most of it.
“There were a couple of missed passes,” she said. “It was anyone’s game.
“It was back and forth all day and it was a tightly fought contest.
“We’ll look to bounce back and hopefully win next week.”
Ellen Close shot 13 goals for the Bombers, with Ktona said she really stood up. She was one of four goalers used by the Bombers.
While the Bombers made the grand final last year, it’s the first time this side has played finals together.
Ktona said they would be better for the run.
“We still have Ruby [Shannon] to come back into the side, she’s in Fiji with the Australian under-21 squad,” she said.
“We were missing Zara [Burge] as well. It’s the first time we’ve played finals with a squad of young girls, with girls as young as 16 in the side.
“You’ve then got the experience of Lauren [Nolan], Meredith [Ball] and Ellen Close.”
It’s not all bad news for the Bombers, who have a second chance.
They will face either Melton Centrals or Macedon in a knockout semi final.
Speaking before the elimination final between Macedon and Melton Centrals, Ktona said either side would give them a big challenge.
“The girls did it the hard way last year,” Ktona said. “They said after the game they will do it again.
“I have full faith in the side. We’ll look at our vision and vision from the elimination final. We’ve beaten both teams throughout the season which were tight contests.
“Both are physical sides and we match up well, we’ll see what happens.
Wallan will now play Woodend-Hesket in the other semi final with a grand final spot on the line.
