A BRAVE effort from undermanned Noradjuha-Quantong was nearly good enough for four premiership points as the Bombers gave Harrow-Balmoral a big scare on Saturday.
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The Bombers played in front of a big home crowd which turned up for the Noradjuha 1984 premiership reunion.
It was the second reunion the club has hosted this season after celebrating the Quantong 1994 premiership in round nine.
In that match the Bombers faded badly to lose a thriller against Taylors Lake, but despite another close loss in an important game at the weekend, the crowd had plenty to be proud of.
Missing vital players such as Shane Oakley, shoulder, Jason Kerr, knee, Brian Harrison, calf, and Brady King and Matt Ward, unavailable, the home side appeared outmatched against the third-placed Roos.
They didn't play like it however, registering more scoring shots in the first term, with only inaccuracy keeping them from the lead at the first change.
A stiff breeze didn't provide much advantage to either side as they went goal for goal all day.
The Roos led by less than a kick at half and three-quarter-time, before pushing the final margin to just eight points at the final siren.
Nathan Hill was best afield for the Bombers, and Jordan Huff stood up in the absence of Harrison and Oakley with four goals.
Harrow-Balmoral brothers Chris and Scott Heath led the way for their side.
Brent Penny booted three of the team's 10 goals. Noradjuha-Quantong coach Jarred Combe said the loss was another bitter pill for his team to swallow, but praised the effort from the group.
"With the outs we had, not too many people outside the club would have turned up thinking it was going to be a close game," he said.
"It was bittersweet, because we're happy with the way we played as a team, but disappointed that we couldn't
finish it off in the last quarter and get a win."
The Roos kept themselves just in front of Kalkee on the ladder with the win.
Third place will be on the line when they meet the Kees at the weekend.