Sport
26 September, 2023
Division one Premiers
WHILE its open side fell just six goals short of premiership glory last weekend, Cobden’s division one netballers have brought home a Hampden League flag.
WHILE its open side fell just six goals short of premiership glory last weekend, Cobden’s division one netballers have brought home a Hampden League flag.
The Bombers’ division one team fought hard all day on Saturday to defeat Koroit by just two goals, 37-35, to take the top prize.
In front of a large crowd and in ideal weather conditions at Reid Oval, the Bombers’ found themselves down by a goal at the half-time break, and then were down by three at three-quarter time.
A last quarter comeback saw the Bombers pile on 10 goals to five in the final minutes to take the premiership from the Saints.
Rebecca Dendle was awarded the best on court medal.
In the open match, Cobden was defeated by South Warrnambool 47-41.
Open coach Sophie Hinkley praised the efforts of her playing group and congratulated the division one team on its premiership.
“The girls really did a great job on Saturday and I’m super proud of them all,” Hinkley said.
“South are a strong side all over the court and have been all year. They have played consistent netball throughout the season and we knew they were going to be a tough team to beat.
“In saying that, I thought we really took it to them on Saturday and if we’d had another five minutes or so there would’ve been every opportunity for us to run over the top of them but it wasn’t to be.
“Our supporters were great and we were very appreciative of their enthusiasm. It really was an entertaining game and we showed we can come back and fight which we did all day. The girls never dropped their heads.”
Hinkley praised the efforts of teenager Nikki Clover who had a spell in shooter in the second half and “was impressive” along with Jess Walsh who played her first Open game.
“Like Nikki, Jess is another talented junior. To play her very first Open game, in a grand final and against quality opposition like South, is a huge thing but she did a great job,” Hinkley said.
With so much talent both in the senior and junior ranks, the future success of netball at the Bombers is looking positive – and Hinkley is looking forward to what is to come.
