AN IMPROVED showing from Noradjuha-Quantong was not enough to get it over the line against Edenhope-Apsley at the weekend.

The Bombers were blown out of the water by the Saints in their round one meeting, but put in a better performance to keep the margin at 43 points at Quantong Recreation Reserve.

The contest was virtually even apart from the second quarter, which the Saints won 7.4 to 1.0.

The home team outscored the Saints four goals to two in the third quarter and held them to two goals in the last.

Young midfielder Charlie Stewart played his best game for the year to lead the Saints to victory.

Bart Nolan and Ben Johnson were also good through the middle, while Grant Cother impressed in his first senior game.

Cam Domaschenz booted four goals to lead the Saints’ forwards.

For the Bombers, it was Shane Oakley and Tom Ridsdale who stood up across half-forward and through the middle.

Jason Kerr made a successful return from a hamstring injury, slotting straight into the best players list.

Bombers coach Jarred Combe said the performance was a small step in the right direction after a bad collapse against Taylors Lake.

“Our endeavour and effort was there for three quarters, but we let ourselves down in the second quarter and that was where the game was won and lost,” he said.

“We do think it is a step in the right direction, but by no means are we happy with playing three quarters and losing.”

Edenhope-Apsley coach Grant Coxon said he was pleased to see every member of his team contribute.

“It wasn’t a great win, but we set it up in the first half, which is something we haven’t been able to do against higher teams,” he said.

“Everyone did their bit and it was good to see a few different names in the best, rather than the same people each week.”