Netball
11 August, 2025
Bombers cement finals spot while Rupanyup secure minor premiership
Noradjuha Quantong have secured their A grade netball finals spot after delivering a surprise 46-31 win over Laharum on Saturday in round 17 of the Horsham District Football Netball League.
Heading into the clash, the Bombers and Natimuk United were still vying for the fifth final spot, but the win means Noradjuha Quantong are locked into fifth position.
Playing at Laharum, Noradjuha Quantong opened a slight lead in the opening minutes before entering the first break up 12-9.
Strong defence from the Bombers was the catalyst for a strong second quarter, forcing consistent Laharum turnovers, with strong passing and shooting allowing them to capitalise, creating a 27-17 lead at half-time.
Noradjuha Quantong remained in control of the game in the third quarter but the Demons stayed within reach as the sides entered the last term at 36-24.
Five straight goals from the Bombers put the game to bed as they finished 15-point winners over the reigning premiers.
Brooke Pay and Taylor Shelley were dominant in goal keeper and goal defence, respectively, with Holly Nuske having a strong game at centre.
Emalie Iredell and Melanie Russell were a couple of the standouts for Laharum.
The Bombers’ Shannon Couch led all scorers with 24 goals while Courtney Taylor led Laharum with 22.
Fiona Rowe, coach of Noradjuha Quantong, said she was happy to have the side book their place in for finals.
“It's nice to know we've cemented our spot in the five now,” Rowe said.
Asked about the Bombers’ strong defensive effort, Rowe praised the growing partnership of Pay and Shelley.
“Taylor and Brooke have really been developing an amazing connection and understanding of each other in that defensive goalring,” Rowe said.
“They just getting better every week in terms of their coverage of player and ball so it's lovely to watch.”
Elsewhere in round 17 A grade action, Rupanyup claimed the minor premiership with their 45-21 victory over Taylors Lake.
Playing at Dock Lake, the Lakers proved up to the challenge in the first half, pressuring the Panthers as the league leaders went up 18-14 at half-time.
But Rupanyup put on a defensive masterclass in the second half, forcing turnovers and tough shots from Taylors Lake before ending up 24-point winners.
Victoria Taylor and Holly Ross stood out on the defensive end for the victors while Zanaiya Bergen knocked in 27 goals.
At Harrow, the Southern Roos and the Swifts played out a thrilling 43-43 draw.
After a nothing could separate the teams in the opening quarter, a strong second quarter saw the Swifts establish a 25-20 half-time lead.
But the home side managed to slowly cut the deficit, trailing by two at three-quarter-time before a Emily Langley goal in the final moments levelled the scores.
Mia Rees impressed for the Southern Roos with 25 goals while Rebbekkah Seary knocked down 22 shots for the Swifts.
Kalkee continued to push for a top-three spot, delivering a 49-28 win over Kaniva Leeor.
The Cougars kept the deficit to nine going into the last quarter before a strong finish secured the victory for the Kees.
Casey Retsch and Lotus Martin performed well for Kalkee, while Ellen Bennett and Ruby Gordon were the best for Kaniva Leeor.
Edenhope Apsley finished their home-and-away season with a decisive 60-35 victory over Natimuk United.
Dee Dee Lambert hit an impressive 45 goals from 54 attempts for the Saints, while Emma Uebergang led Natimuk with 23 goals.
The win lifts Edenhope Aspley into second place on the ladder but they will have to wait till round 18 to see if they have secured a top-three finish for finals.