Riddell produced a sub-par performance but was able to sneak home against Macedon in Riddell District Netball League on Saturday.
Equal on points before the game, both teams were looking forward to the match to see how they compared with another top side.
And there was little between them all day, the Bombers eventually winning 39-38.
Their coach, Jarrad Walker, was relieved to get the points while disappointed in some regards with the performance.
“Macedon were happy with how they played – it was a physical game,” he said. “You can see they do a lot of training together.
“I wasn’t happy with our game. We made a lot of turnovers and couldn’t get our connections going. This is the type of game we need … we won’t have another until just before the finals.”
Walker said it wasn’t until the last quarter that the Bombers managed to get some flow in their game – but they couldn’t turn it into scoreboard pressure. Despite the disappointment, he saw a lot of positives.
Managing three players with injuries and introducing a new player meant lots of positional changes for Riddell.
Tarryn Munro, who plays in Victorian Netball League division 1, had her first game with the club and will provide another option in the mid-court.
She comes on board as Danielle Wilson heads overseas, not to return until just before the finals.
“We knew there would be turnovers with introducing a new player,” Walker said.
“I’m glad I got Tarryn in to play in a game like this. Having her released Lauren Close back into defence.”
Close was best on court on Saturday, despite managing an ankle injury. Another standout was Meikah Johns.
Walker said Johns, one of the youngest players in the team, was now his go-to wing-defence player.
Walker said he was hopeful the impact of VNL commitments on his players would decrease, with most VNL matches now played midweek.
The exception will be the VNL grand finals, which will be held the same weekend as the first weekend of RDNL finals.
“We have a good opportunity to settle down, which we haven’t had with VNL, interleague, Queen’s Birthday weekend and Rockbank not having a team [creating a bye],” Walker said.
“It [VNL grand finals] could potentially affect a couple of players, but we’re confident in our B-grade and under-19 players stepping up.
“We just need to make sure we finish top two and get a double chance.”
Elsewhere, ladder leader Rupertswood suffered a shock loss to Melton Centrals, Lancefield was too good for Sunbury Kangaroos, Diggers Rest defeated Wallan, and Broadford proved too strong for Woodend- Hesket.
