By Tara Murray
It has been a strong start for Riddell in the Riddell District Netball League across the board.
The Bombers have just lost three of 20 games in the opening four rounds of the netball competition as they aim to build on last season.
Coach Emily Ktona said everything was going to plan early on.
“I’ve been super happy with the five teams and how we have started,” she said. “We’re coming off a strong off season.
“One of our main focuses was retention and we do that really well and kept lots of the same girls.
“There weren’t too many changes to the A-grade side. In the other sides we’ve had some players retire and some long term injuries.”
Bec Cowell is the big addition for the Bombers.
Ktona said they were looking for a high volume shooter and Colwell fills that perfectly, having scored more than 40 goals in her past two games.
“She knows the club already and knows some of the combos. She’s played with the Closes for a long time.
“There’s different midcourters feeding the ball to her and it’s come together the last couple of weeks.
“She fits in seamlessly and we are so happy. “
While Colwell has added some experience to the shooting end, the Bombers have blooded one of their next generation.
Tilly Allen, who is just 14, has made her A-grade debut. Ktona has coached Allen elsewhere, while Allen’s mum, Eliza Allen, has coached Ktona.
“With Sahara [Ball] out for the national championships we needed someone to step up,” Ktona said.
“She has done such an awesome job. She’s learning so much from the older girls.
“It’s nice to reward a local junior player. We were down against Macedon and we put her on and she was important in the turnaround.”
After having four of their five teams in grand finals last season and A-grade just following short in the grand final, Ktona is hoping they can step it up further.
“The aim is to go one better in A-grade,” she said. “We want to build on what we did last year.
“We want to take home all the grades.”
The Bombers faced Kyneton on Saturday, winning 54-33.
Bec Colwell shot 28 goals, while Sahara Ball shot 19 goals.
In other results, Macedon beat Romsey, Lancefield was too good Wallan, Woodend-Hesket beat the Gisborne Giants, while Diggers Rest and Melton Centrals had a draw.
