By Tara Murray
Riddell saved its best for last to qualify for the Riddell District Netball League finals.
Needing a win against fourth-placed Romsey, the Bombers stepped it up when needed. In a close game, the Bombers came away with a 51-48 win.
Bombers’ coach Lauren Close said everything had come together at the right time.
She said there were a nervous few moments waiting for the scores from the Rupertswood and Rockbank game.
“We needed to win,” she said.
“We’ve been working hard all season. It’s been an up and down season with people away and then me getting pregnant and not being able to play.
“It was the first time in seven games that we had our whole team available.”
Close said the game could easily have gone either way, with no more than four goals separating the two teams.
She said both coaches thought their sides had played well.
“It had me on the edge of my seat.”
Close was full of praise for her sister Ellen Close, who has returned to the side in recent weeks after a holiday to Europe.
Ellen Close shot 20 goals, while Tara O’Grady shot 31 goals.
“Larrisa Rix did a great job and she’s still learning,” she said.
“Ellen works so well with Tara.
“She’s come back after five weeks working her way through Europe.
“To come back and play as well as she did, is really good.”
Kirby Elliott was again outstanding in defence. Lauren Close said Elliott had continued to develop.
“She’s one person I’m happy to hand over my bib to,” she said. “She reads the play well and can play one-on-one, or float. She’s so dangerous in the goal keeper position.”
The Bombers face Wallan in an elimination final on Sunday.
“We’re putting it together at the right time,” Close said.
In the other finals, Rupertswood will play Macedon in the qualifying final, while Romsey and Diggers Rest will play in an elimination final.
Tara Murray
