By Tara Murray
Riddell put in a solid performance against the ladder leading Rupertswood on Saturday in the Riddell District Netball League.
In their biggest test this season, the Bombers showed some positive signs.
While the scoreboard showed a 56-37 loss, Bombers playing coach Lauren Close was happy with how her side played.
“They [Rupertswood] are the team to beat this year,” she said.
“We were pretty happy with what we put out there. After quarter-time, I thought it was pretty even, though the scores didn’t reflect that.
“There was no big blow out.”
Close said the pleasing thing for her side this year had been the young talent that is coming through.
She is keen to give the younger girls a go and said they were seeing real positive signs despite the up and down nature of the season.
“There’s some pretty young girls coming through and they were up for the fight.
“By the end of the season, they will get it altogether.”
PHOTO GALLERY: Riddell vs Rupertswood
Close said the younger players stepping up had taken some of the pressure off her on court.
She said it was good to be able to spend some time coaching from the sidelines.
“Kirby Elliott is holding down the defensive end with Melinda Luke.
“I think I’ve played half a game each week. I’ve had a niggling foot injury, so it’s been good for that.”
Close said goaler Larissa Rix was another player who had stepped up when given the opportunity.
After finally getting their full team together the past couple of weeks, Riddell is set to have changes again the next few weeks.
Luke is set to miss a couple of weeks with an ankle injury, while Ellen Close is heading overseas for five weeks.
“We’ve only had our full team the last couple of weeks, so we’ve been able to rotate through some girls,” Lauren Close said.
“They know what they are up against if called upon again.”
Close said they were continuing to build each week.
The Bombers sit sixth with a 2-3-1 record.
This week they face another young side in Woodend-Hesket.
In other results, Broadford got its first A-grade win since 2016, beating Lancefield 58-25.
Both sides entered the match without a win, but it was the Kangaroos who fired early to get an early lead.
Wallan beat Woodend-Hesket 49-26, Romsey was too strong for Melton Centrals winning 66-37 and Diggers Rest was too good for Rockbank, winning 47-32.
