NORADJUHA-QUANTONG defied illness and a poor record in close matches this season to get a vital two-goal win against Harrow-Balmoral on Saturday.
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The Bombers have suffered more close defeats than any other Horsham District Football Netball League team this year.
Before the weekend, they had three losses and a draw in games decided by two goals or fewer.
They turned it around against the Roos, holding off the fast-finishing home team to win 42-40.
The victory was made more impressive by the fact the team’s defenders came down with bronchitis.
With goal defence Brooke Pay and keeper Yolly Francis both struggling to contain Roo goal shooter Jess Anson, the Bombers’ attack end stepped up.
Olivia McDonald and Sammi Avery had good games for the visitors.
McDonald connected on 24 of her 31 goal attempts, while Avery had a great battle with gun Roo defender Anna-Grace Close.
Noradjuha-Quantong recruit Mikayla Murphy played her best game of the year in the midcourt against Sarah Langley.
Francis said it was great to finally win a close game.
“Our last couple of losses have definitely been heart breakers, so it was good to put in a solid performance and get a win,” she said.
“It was an arm-wrestle all day – we had a five-goal lead at half-time, but it didn’t feel like five goals.
“Every time we got a few goals in front they would come back, so credit to Harrow-Balmoral for chasing our tails all day.”
The win gave the Bombers a four-point buffer in fifth place on the ladder after Pimpinio and Rupanyup failed to win at the weekend.
The Panthers were unsuccessful on the road against Natimuk United, going down 57-27.
Ewe defenders Jo Taylor and Casey Vanstan smothered their opponents, conceding only 11 goals in the second half.
Jodie Hayes led Rupanyup with a solid effort at centre.
Swifts produced their highest score of the season to easily defeat Taylors Lake 60-22.
Baggies’ attack clicked into high gear as Amy Yole netted 38 goals, Kaitlyn Ralph had 22 and wing attack Nicole Harding repeatedly drove the ball forward.
Lakers centre Lauren Monaghan was her side’s best performer.
Pimpinio produced a spirited challenge against Laharum, but could not stay with the Mountain Maids, going down 49-35.
Edenhope-Apsley continued to demolish all challengers, eviscerating Jeparit-Rainbow 90-19.
Emma Ryan starred again for the Saints, netting 42 goals, while Sarah Jude was part of a rock-solid defence.