By Tara Murray
Romsey stuck to the task as hand as it accounted for Riddell in a Riddell District Netball League elimination final.
With Victorian Netball League finals hitting the Bombers playing group’s availablity hard, the Redbacks looked to be clear favourites on paper.
The Bombers entered the match without Lauren Close, Bec Colwell, Ellen Close and Maddison Wallmeyer, as all four played for DC North East Blaze in their preliminary final.
It was an even first quarter, before the Redbacks put the foot down and were able to run away with a 60-25 win.
Redbacks coach Luke Marko Rawlings said he was really pleased with the win.
He said despite the changes to the Bombers line up, which they knew about heading into the game, it was about making sure they played their best netball.
“Even though they didn’t have their full team, we had to have 100 per cent effort.
“We couldn’t leave anything to chance.”
MarkoRawlings said the pressure they build across the court had been the key to breaking open the game.
He said that is something they had focused on all season.
“We build so much pressure in the first half of games,” he said.
“Teams then crack in the second half under all that pressure.”
Chelsea Ross led the way with 36 goals form 43 attempts.
Marko-Rawlings said Ross and fellow shooter Rhiannon Ezard were the standouts on court.
For the Bombers, Molly Trezise scored 19 goals. Meikah Johns was named their best.
The win and Wallan’s loss to Rockbank, means the Redbacks will face Macedon in a semi final for a spot in the grand final.
It also gives the Redbacks a double chance if they lose.
Marko Rawlings said a shot at the grand final spot was an extra incentive to step up their game.
“We have to put our heads down and knuckle down,” he said.
“Last time we were only down by 10 goals. The time before that was six goals.
“Neither time had our full team. Hopefully we’ll get the win and move forward.”
For reports from the other two A-grade finals:
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/red-hot-rockbank-is-on-fire/
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/macedon-continues-undefeated-run-into-finals/
