Bombers footballers win, netballers encounter first defeat

By Matthew Kappos

Apr 28, 2024

Going for goal: Lachlan Sverns launches the ball goalward. Photos: Aidan Briggs Photo by Aidan Briggs

Gunbower Recreation Reserve played host to the round four Heathcote District league clash between Leitchville-Gunbower and Elmore on Saturday, April 27.

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In the senior football, the Bombers improved their record to 2-2 after dispatching the Bloods by 48 points.

The game wasn’t without its challenges for Leitchville-Gunbower as the visitor kept the match within reach up until the final quarter.

Clear it: Bradley Green exits defence for Leitchville-Gunbower. Photos: Aidan Briggs Photo by Aidan Briggs

The Bombers started strongly, kicking five goals in the opening term, while Elmore was able to respond with three majors of its own.

Leitchville-Gunbower kicked away in the second, slotting four goals to one to take a 35-point lead into half-time.

Assessing options: Will Brereton scans downfield for a teammate. Photo by Aidan Briggs

The Bloods looked to regroup in the second half and managed to reduce the deficit by a goal after kicking 3.2 to the Bombers’ 2.2 in the third quarter.

Solid contributor: Jake Dick-O'Flaherty was among the best on a tough day for Elmore. Photo by Aidan Briggs

However, Leitchville-Gunbower then put the match to bed in the final period, allowing only a single behind while adding 20 points of its own to take the match 14.12 (96) to 7.6 (48).

Fraser Buchanan topped the Bombers’ scoring charts, kicking four for the match, while Tom Brereton and Nathan McLellan added three apiece.

Goals galore: New Bomber Fraser Buchanan kicked a team-high four majors in the win. Photo by Aidan Briggs

Joseph Harney led the visitors with four goals of his own.

Midfielder Mitchell Candy was named best-on-ground for Leitchville-Gunbower, as Buchanan, Brady Hore, Bradley Green and James and Tom Brereton rounded out the club’s best.

Scoreboard impact: Nathan Kay was one of just three Elmore goalkickers. Photo by Aidan Briggs

The result moves the Bombers into fourth place as the only side on eight competition points.

Influential: Daniel Russell was one of the more influential players for Elmore. Photo by Aidan Briggs

They have a bye next weekend before a trip to Barrack Reserve to face Heathcote on Saturday, May 11.

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Offloading: Ava Hamilton looks to pass. Photo by Aidan Briggs

In A-grade netball, the Bombers suffered their first loss for the season at the hands of Elmore.

Leitchville-Gunbower remained in the hunt for much of the contest but in the end the Bloods proved too strong as they claimed victory 70-57.

Moving forward: Caitlyn Hamilton looks to pass to an attacking option inside the semi-circle. Photo by Aidan Briggs

While it was a setback for the new-look Bombers side, a 3-1 record is more than a pass mark at this stage of the campaign, with the side having already eclipsed the two wins it recorded in the entirety of last season.