General News
18 August, 2021
Young Bombers ready for grand final
COBDEN’S 15 and under reserves netball side is daring to dream ahead of this Sunday’s Hampden Football Netball League junior grand final.
COBDEN’S 15 and under reserves netball side is daring to dream ahead of this Sunday’s Hampden Football Netball League junior grand final.
The decider will pit the second-placed Bombers against first-ranked South Warrnambool after both sides won do-or-die semi-finals last Sunday.
The Roosters defeated Warrnambool 30-13 while Cobden accounted for Hamilton Kangaroos 25-11 to set-up this week’s clash at Port Fairy’s Gardens Oval.
Coach Kim Robertson said her side was “super excited” for its chance to play on the big stage.
“I got a message off one of the girls last night asking if we could do another session to really get prepared for the grand final,” she said.
“I thought that was a great sign of their commitment and was very cute of the girls.”
The Bombers and Roosters will meet for the second time this season in the decider.
The pair squared off in round nine, a contest the Roosters won, but Robertson conceded her side had an off day.
Nonetheless she is confident her side’s versatility and willingness will ensure it produces a strong performance regardless of the result.
“We only came up against them once this year and it was our worst game for the year,” Robertson said.
“I think we only went down by five but we didn’t bring our A game.
“I’m expecting it to be a good little spectacle that could go either way.
“I think every girl can play three or four positions, they don’t just play one or two positions, we can swap them around. That’s our strength, that we’re so versatile and so willing.”
Despite the girls still being in the infancy of their competitive netball days, Robertson said the experience of featuring in a grand final at a young age would be beneficial for their development as players and team-mates.
“Given our year, it’s a great opportunity for the girls to play in a grand final,” she said.
“They’re a close knit group, I didn’t know too much about them when I came on but I have to commend the girls on their camaraderie as a team.
“To win or get to a grand final is a good thing as a whole.”
With COVID impacting the season on three occasions this year, Robertson also said her side’s enthusiasm and eagerness never wavered despite the tough times.
She said she enjoyed coaching the team this season.
“If we haven’t been able to get to training, they’re all there the next week which is fantastic,” Robertson said.
“All they want to do is train and get out on the court so it’s a testament to the year they’ve had.
“They’re eager and want to play as much netball as possible.”
Sunday’s game starts at 12noon.