General News
14 April, 2021
Debutant shines in Bombers win
STRONG performances from a debutant, returning defender and star wing attack ensured Cobden’s open netball side hit the ground running on Saturday.
STRONG performances from a debutant, returning defender and star wing attack ensured Cobden’s open netball side hit the ground running on Saturday.
The Bombers recorded its first win of the 2021 Hampden league season, defeating perennial finalist North Warrnambool 48-36 in coach Sophie Hinkley’s first game in charge.
Hinkley said the Bombers expected North to produce a tough contest as its squad was littered with quality players.
But she was pleased her side stuck to its structures as it ran away with an eight goal victory while the division one squad also recorded a win.
“It was a good, positive first hit-out and we coped well which was a positive as well,” Hinkley said.
“We stuck to maintaining the structures we’ve been working on so far and across division one and open we were able to play quite strong sides as well as some of our juniors.
“Jess Bourchier and Emily Darcy got a run in division one and Lara Taylor got a full game in open so it was really great for the club to give them a good run.
“We’ve been working on having the same organisation and structures across all age groups and grades so to have someone come in and play so well shows that consistent messaging and consistent structure (is working) within the club.”
Taylor’s performance at wing defence delighted Hinkley.
“Lara played the whole game at wing defence and she took four or five clean intercepts in the first quarter and then was consistent throughout the game,” Hinkley said.
“In the past we’ve mainly played a zone floating defence but we’ve been working really hard to knuckle down and have consistent workrate with one-on-ones which is what she did.
“She just stuck to instruction and she didn’t do anyone else’s job.
“She did what she was asked to do because we’ve been trying to have really clear expectations for everyone and to have everyone do what is expected of them really well.”
Hinkley was also pleased with output of Amy Hammond and Jess McGlade at opposite ends of the court, with the pair important in the Bombers victory.
“Amy Hammond controlled the attack end and just ran and ran and ran,” she said.
“In the wet it’s harder for a little person who has to take small steps but she had a consistent workrate which was good.
“Jess McGlade was great in defence at goal keeper.
“She had a baby four months ago and was great and she is only going to be better for the run which is exciting. Everyone else did their job too which was pretty promising.”
The Bombers are now set to take additional confidence into its clash with Camperdown this weekend.
Hinkley said Cobden’s first hit-out reassured the playing group of its capabilities after a long lay-off while its second would be another early test for the side.
“We’re very lucky we have three good games to start with against North, Camperdown and Koroit so we’re expecting it to be a tough match against Camperdown,” she said.
“It’ll be another great opportunity for the girls, they have good, strong bodies and really experienced, clever players for us to come up against.
“It’ll be a great challenge for the girls to show their strength and stamina against another strong opponent.”
Saturday’s match against Camperdown will be a ‘Super Saturday’ fixture between the two clubs at Leura Oval.
Netball times for Saturday:
11am – development
12pm – 15 and under reserves, 13 and under reserves
1pm – 17 and under, 13 and under
2pm – 15 and under, division two
3pm – division one, division three
4.15pm – open