General News
9 April, 2019
Bombers off to fast start
THERE were few complaints from new open netball coach Mel Starr following Cobden’s round one victory over Warrnambool on Saturday.
THERE were few complaints from new open netball coach Mel Starr following Cobden’s round one victory over Warrnambool on Saturday.
The Bombers started the year in fine form cruising to a 71-34 victory over the Blues
“You definitely can’t complain with a 71-34 win,” Starr said.
“Warrnambool were obviously a little bit depleted but all eight of them (the girls) played pretty well.”
The Bombers jumped out of the blocks in the opening term and established a 16 goal lead heading into the first change.
They continued to control terms in the second quarter but were unable to build upon the margin, entering half-time 19 goals ahead.
The third term was a similar affair to the previous quarter, with the Bombers pushing their advantage out to 22 goals before producing a final quarter blitz to win by 37.
Despite the overall margin, Starr said there were times her side gave Warrnambool opportunities to remain in the contest.
“I think we did let them back into it in the second quarter and maybe even the third,” she said.
“But the girls wanted to get a really solid win and set themselves a target and then finished off well.”
Starr said she put it down to lapses in the Bombers’ concentration that kept the Blues alive, but admitted she was really pleased with how they responded.
“It was definitely a little lapse in the intensity and focus so that is something we’ll have to work on,” she said.
“But like I said the girls set themselves a target for the fourth quarter and then ran over the top of them.”
On the flip side, Starr said there was plenty she was impressed with, particularly their shooting accuracy.
“I think everyone had equal court time and we managed to rotate positions well which was good,” she said.
“And shooting at 91 per cent with 71 goals was another positive.”
Emily Finch was named best on court after a stellar performance in the goal circle, while Rebecca Dendle and Amy Hammond played strong games up the court.
“Best on court for me was Emily Finch scoring 46 goals from 48 at 95 per cent in goal shooter,” Starr said.
“I also thought Rebecca Dendle did a really great job and did a lot of hard work off the ball.
“And Amy Hammond, she really took on the feedback and direction I gave her and really controlled the attacking end.”
The win also marked Starr’s first in her Bombers colours and she said she was “really happy” to be on the board in her new surroundings.
“It’s a really great club vibe at Cobden,” she said.
“You couldn’t really fault how welcoming and open they have been since I got there, I’m really loving it.”
The Bombers are now preparing for a match with North Warrnambool, which will be held under lights at Cobden Recreation Reserve this Saturday.
Starr said she was expecting a tough contest against the Eagles but wants the Bombers to stick to what they know when the game gets under way.
“It’ll definitely be a tough game,” she said.
“But the girls are sticking to our game plans and structures so that’ll be our focus when we are pushed.”
In the lower grades, Cobden won the division one (46-33), division two (46-35) and 15 and under (16-14) games, but lost the division three (26-17), 17 and under (40-22) and 13 and under (35-16) contests.