Football
26 August, 2024
Bombers fast start blows Panthers away
Noradjuha Quantong has put on a clinic, defeating Rupanyup by 139 points at Harrow Reserve in Saturday's Horsham District Football Netball League elimination final.
The Bombers started with a bang, shutting out the Panthers to lead by 30 points at quarter-time.
In the second quarter, the Bombers were relentless, kicking nine goals to one to lead by 83 points at the main break.
With a win all but assured, the Bombers continued to roll, kicking another six goals to lead by 121 points at three-quarter time. It was a formality in the last, with the Bombers adding another four goals to one to run out 23.18.156 to 2.5.17 winners.
Judah Hobbs kicked eight goals for the Bombers, Brock Orval chipped in with six, and the two dangerous forwards combined well. James Gregg was excellent through the middle, with Jack Vague, Jayden Besford, and Riley Dunlop among their best.
Jacob Christie and Blake Turner were the Panthers' only two goal kickers. Bill Hansen led the way through the midfield as their best player, and Jacob Christie, Daniel Schaper, Kieran Sait, Bailey Rothall, and Zachary Robinson were among their best.
Bombers coach Damian Cameron said the fast start was the key.
"For us heading into this game, one of our big goals was to start fast, and we managed that," Cameron said.
"Although we have had a few wins, we haven't been able to start fast or finish a game off, and we always allowed teams back in, but to see that four-quarter performance in an important final was excellent."
When Orval missed a month of footy during the season, Hobbs dominated up forward. Now that Orval is back to his best, the two are combining well, which is another important factor for the Bombers.
"Normally, one of them would have a good day and kick a bag, and the other would mop up the crumbs, but they both kicked bags, which was nice. It will be essential heading into next week.
"Our midfield is also at its best. They have been good all year, but all the boys in the midfield were excellent on the weekend, and we are hitting our straps at the right time."