NORADJUHA-QUANTONG is lamenting missed opportunities in its loss to Kalkee at the weekend.
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Coach Heath Francis said the Bombers’ seven goal, 18 behind scoreline displayed the “wasteful” opportunities from his team.
“(Kalkee) got the jump on us early and kicked the first four goals,” Francis said.
“We were wasteful with the ball and that continued the whole day.
“We had enough opportunity to put a score on the board, but we kicked too many points.”
The Bombers managed to claw back into the contest in the second term, kicking three goals, nine behinds and trailing the Kees by 27 points at the main break.
Kicking three goals, seven points in the third term hurt the Bombers and virtually sealed the deal for the Kees on their home turf.
The Kees finished 56-point winners.
Their scoreline could have also proven more damaging should the 17 goal, 14 behind attempt been more accurate.
Ben Lawson and Jasper Gunn, with four goals apiece, and Tyler Neville with three were troublesome for the Bombers.
Matt Nield, in the midfield, was damaging.
For the Bombers, Francis said Cam Bruce put in a stellar performance.
“He was really good and didn’t waste the ball,” Francis said.
“Tyler Snowden, on the wing, was exceptional. He’s put together a good couple of weeks.”
Francis said while the loss was disappointing, there were plenty of positive takeaways.
The last time the two met, in round 16 of 2016, the Bombers managed four points to the Kees’ 24.7.
“In the last round of last year, we played Kalkee and we didn’t kick a goal,” Francis said.
“(Now), we are looking to close the gap on those teams who are around the middle rungs on the ladder.
“Having 25 scoring shots, compared to not kicking a goal (against Kalkee) last year, is a good sign.
“It was a good hit-out from both sides. There were a lot of lopsided matches this round and it’s good to see a contest and to be competitive.”
Prior to the match, Kees coach Hamish Exell had dubbed Saturday’s encounter a must-win.
He had called on his charges to regroup after a loss to Laharum in round eight and to put in a four-quarter performance.
The Kees have jumped to seventh on the ladder in the wake of the weekend’s success, remaining just outside finals contention by percentage.
The Kees have five wins after nine rounds, as do Edenhope-Apsley and Swifts.
They face Jeparit-Rainbow at Kalkee next weekend, while the Bombers take on Swifts at home.