Riddell is through to a third straight Riddell District Netball League A-grade grand final after defeating arch-rival Rupertswood on Saturday.
After an even first quarter, the Bombers landed the first blow, opening up a 27-19 lead going into half-time.
The margin remained at eight heading into the final term before the Bombers scored the winning blow for a 51-36 scoreline.
Bombers coach Jarrad Walker said the side was pretty excited to make it through to the grand final.
He said after a slow start to the match, they really got going after quarter-time.
“We were having trouble in transition coming out of defence,” he said.
“We were a little hesitant with how we were taking the ball out, but we were getting plenty of turnovers.
“We set some structure and got better transition.”
Among Walker’s successful changes was bringing on Brianna De Haas at wing defence to replace another under-19 player, Kira Baldwin.
“Brianna worked herself into the game and was brilliant for the rest of it. She showed she can step up.
“I’m honoured to have those girls with the side. Since signing with the club, I’ve wanted to build a pathway … to see it come to fruition in a final was a good feeling.”
After failing to put Macedon away in the final quarter the previous week, Walker said they were keen to ensure it didn’t happen again.
“That was our last-quarter focus and Loz [Lauren Close] spoke to the girls and I left it for her to manage,” the coach added.
“She was brilliant for three quarters after a slow start again.”
Bec Colwell was best of the shooters, scoring 36 of the Bombers’ goals. Midcourters Carly Harrison and Tarryn Munro were adjudged best on court.
For the Sharks, Stacey Northey shot 22 goals, while Ailish McCormack was named their best contributor.
The Bombers now have a week off before the grand final, where they’ll face the Sharks or Macedon who play this week in a preliminary.
