COLBINABBIN’S senior football side required some final minute magic to overcome a fast finishing Leitchville-Gunbower in the Heathcote District Football League on Saturday.
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The first term saw the Hoppers start strongly, booting 4.1 to the Bombers 2.0 to take a 13-point lead into quarter-time.
Leitchville-Gunbower was able to arrest momentum in the second but failed to apply scoreboard pressure, only managing one behind whilst restricting the Hoppers to 1.4.
The third quarter was all red and black as the Bombers began to erode the 21-point half-time deficit.
They booted 2.2 and kept the Hoppers scoreless to put themselves well and truly within striking distance at the final break.
The last quarter was an epic seesawing affair that saw several lead changes as both sides traded goals regularly.
But with a minute remaining on the clock Sam Vale slotted a goal to give the Hoppers a four-point lead, which they were able to hang onto until the final siren.
Best: B. Southam, S. Vale, T. Bryant, H. McMurtrie, M. Riordan and W. Morrow.
Scores: Colbo 8.8 (56) d L-Gunbower 8.4 (52).
Reserves: The reserves overcame a slow start to get the four points against the Bombers.
Under the pump from the word go, the Hoppers conceded 3.0 in the first quarter but managed two of their own late in the piece to reduce the quarter-time margin to just six points.
A dominant second term saw the Hoppers pile on 5.2 to the Bombers 2.0 to stretch the margin to 14 points at half-time.
Colbo won the third quarter kicking 3.1 to Leitchville’s 2.0, extending their advantage to 21 points heading into the final term.
The Hoppers were able to finish the game strongly, adding 2.4 to the Bombers 1.0 to seal a gutsy 31-point victory.
Best: J. Patten, S. Hon, W. Hayes, S. Bromley, B. Brown, J. Barlow.
Scores: Colbo 12.7 (79) d L-Gunbower 8.0 (48).
Thirds: The thirds played three quarters of excellent football but were eventually over run by a slick Bombers outfit.
The first half was a terrific standard as both teams moved the ball with precision and speed.
After half-time, Leitchville’s bigger bodies took over as they kicked away on the scoreboard.
To the Hoppers credit their pressure and intensity around the contest didn’t waiver until the final siren.
Best: C. Ryan, N. Morgan, S. Ryan, D. Brown, H. Kerlin, J. McIlroy.
Scores: Colbo 5.2 (32) lt L-Gunbower 13.8 (86).
Netball
A grade: Colbo 66 def. L-Gunbower 37.
A reserve: Colbo 31 lt L-Gunbower 39.
B grade: The girls had a strong first half however we didn’t come away with a win.
Everyone pushed through the four quarters, not dropping their heads.
The team did an awesome job working the ball down the court to the shooters.
Special mention to Hannah Fuller for running out her first full game since coming back from an injury and also getting best on.
Scores: Colbo 40 lt L-Gunbower 50.
B reserve: A fantastic first quarter from the girls who went goal for goal with some great plays.
Our defence was strong throughout the whole game and our goalies did a great job against some tall Bomber defenders.
Unfortunately it got away from us in the end.
Scores: Colbo 33 lt L-Gunbower 52.
U17: The girls worked beautifully as a team to take the points against a strong Leitchville Gunbower side.
Laura Budge held her ground in defence and was rewarded with a crowd-pleasing intercept when it counted.
Tahlia Pain was dynamic in centre and attacked every loose ball that came near her.
The shooters, as always, were on fire with their accuracy.
Awards: Laura Budge (Rochester Sportspower) and Tahlia Pain (canteen).
Scores: Colbo 53 def. L-Gunbower 38.
U15: The girls scored a great win against third on the ladder Leitchville-Gunbower.
The first quarter saw both teams even — with Summer and Dana in goals.
Our defence was strong with Riley, Stella and Jo working hard against the Bombers attack.
In the second quarter, Colbo was up by one with Zoe and Matisse swapping at centre as Jazzy came into wing attack.
During the third quarter, Kenzie was intercepting strongly and Monica played well in goals.
Colbo had a massive comeback in the final minutes of the game to win by one goal.
Awards: Stella and Zoe.
Scores: Colbo 25 def. L-Gunbower 24.