Netball
8 May, 2026
Bombers meet Laharum juggernaut
The top two sides through four rounds of the Horsham District A grade netball competition will face off this Saturday, May 9, with Noradjuha Quantong hosting ladder leaders Laharum.
The Demons are already looking like the team to beat in 2026, averaging more than 72 goals per game, while their lowest winning margin has been 31.
Along with an ever-steady midcourt and defence, the inclusions of Ilze Van Zyl and Caitlin-Jones Story in the goal circle have elevated Laharum to a new level.
Van Zyl leads the competition with 155 goals, with Jones-Story second with 127 goals.
As well as the dual threat of the shooting pair, Noradjuha Quantong coach Taylor Shelley says the Demons' physicality makes them the most dangerous team.
“I think Laharum are the team to beat, to be honest,” Shelley said.
“As last year’s grand finalists, Edenhope were obviously strong in our draw against them, but I think Laharam have another level of physicality that they bring to the court as well.
“The goalie combination of Caitlin Story, who just doesn't miss many goals, and then Ilze running around the front, is going to be hard to beat."
And while the Demons go into Saturday’s game as favourites, the Bombers have demonstrated they are also a force to be reckoned with.
Recruits Rachel Leader and Leah Mirtschin may be the best defensive tandem in the league, with the Bombers having restricted opponents to just 29 goals per game on average so far this season.
With the size and anticipation to disrupt Laharum’s shooters, a great matchup awaits in the goal circle.
After coming off a 40-40 draw to 2025 grand finalists Edenhope Apsley, the Bombers coach says she's pleased with how the team is progressing, and she believes they can improve this Saturday and throughout the season.
“I'll have the girls all watch the game and do a bit of a reflection on what we need to refine so we can work on our finesse going into Saturday,” Shelley said.
“But we’re feeling really good four rounds in, particularly having played four games together as this team and putting out the performances that we're putting out.
“It will be good to have another test this early to be able to work on those things heading into the later half of the season.”
Among this week’s other A grade games, both Rupanyup and Taylors Lake will search for their first win of the season when they clash at Rupanyup.
The Lakers will be encouraged by their close loss to the Tigers in round four while the Panthers will hope ot bounce back from their loss to the Kees.
At Kaniva, the 2-2 Cougars will hope to bounce back from recent losses and face a Kalkee side looking to maintain its spot in the top five.
At Stawell, the Swifts have a challenge on their hands as they meet Edenhope Apsley.
Despite injuries and unavailability interrupting the start of their season, the Saints are still one of the teams to beat in 2026.
A good contest awaits at Balmoral as the Southern Roos host Natimuk United.
Harrow Balmoral were competitive in their two losses before recording a decisive round-three win over the Swifts.
The Rams enter Saturday 2-2, having also recorded a comfortable win over the Baggies.
Pimpinio have the bye.