EDENHOPE-APSLEY has hung on for a 16-point win to make it very difficult for Noradjuha-Quantong to play finals this season.
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The two sides traded blows in the first half with multiple free kicks inside the Bombers’ forward 50 handing them a number of set shot goals. Shane Oakley was reliable and accurate for the Bombers and finished the day with five majors.
With dangerous forward Dylan Achison hurting his hamstring early in the game, Edenhope-Apsley turned to backman Matt Butler up forward. Butler thrived and finished with a game-defining seven-goal tally.
The Saints threatened to build a handy lead at the end of the second term but some late goals to the Bombers had the side trailing by just seven points.
A huge third quarter performance for the Saints showed their ability to perform when it matters the most. The Saints piled on seven goals to the Bombers’ three and when Edenhope-Apsley kicked the first of the last quarter it was a long way back for the Bombers.
However, the side fought on, kicking the last four goals of the game. Bomber Cam Bruce kicked his fourth for the day after 20 minutes of game time in the final term to bring the margin down to 12 points. The Saints pressed to hold on for a 17.12 (114) to 15.8 (98) win in an entertaining game.
Saints coach Chris Oliver said the third quarter defined the way he wants his side to play.
“We knew they had a lot on the line and it was a good test for our boys,” he said.
“I told the boys at half-time that we weren’t getting first to the footy enough. When we played on our terms it worked better for us. They were fired up in the last term and football is a game of momentum switches. It was a good game.”
Bombers coach Gareth Hose said simple skill errors could have changed the game.
“Missing simple chest marks and gifting them goals from our kick ins really hurt us,” he said.
“We just need a bit more polish, but we are still learning as a side. I thought our endeavour and ability to win the contested football was still good.
“It was a good game of football but we just made crucial errors at crucial times. We coughed the football up in the third term and they used it really well and capitalised on our turnovers. It definitely cost us.
“We will enjoy the bye and a week off now and keep working on errors we need to improve.”