NORADJUHA-QUANTONG’S senior outfit tasted victory on their club’s big day with a win against the more-fancied Laharum.
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The Bombers celebrated 20 years since their parent clubs merged on Saturday.
The Horsham District league round 16 game was hotly contested, but the Bombers prevailed 9.11 (65) to 7.11 (53).
Bombers coach Heath Francis said his team got off to a good start.
“We kicked the first couple goals and were three or four goals in front,” he said.
“That definitely set up the game for us and it went on from there.
“We held them goal-less in the second quarter when they had the breeze, which also helped us come away with the win.
“They kicked the first couple goals in the last quarter but the lead we had made in the first half helped us to the win.”
Francis said the victory was massive given it came on such an important day in the club’s history.
“It was huge. There are big celebrations, it’s pretty exciting times,” he said.
“I look into the clubrooms now and there are a lot of old and new faces having a good time.”
Francis said the circumstances made the win even sweeter.
“It was a good, tough win considering we played with no juniors at all,” he said.
“The last seven to 10 minutes were scrappy, but there were pretty exciting scenes here.
“We had to play three on the bench who all played reserves the game before so the first 18 had really toughed it out.
“I even pulled the boots on.
“For all the hard work we’ve done all year, it’s a real reward to get this result.
“I think we knocked a bit of wind out of the Laharum boys.”
For all the hard work we’ve done all year, it’s a real reward to get this result.
- Heath Francis
Francis said looking back on the game, there were some things that could have been better from both teams.
“Both missed some shots that they probably shouldn’t have,” he said.
“Laharum threatened us a bit later on but they couldn’t get there.”
Francis said overall he was happy with his team’s endeavour.
“We were hungry for the ball,” he said.
“Our tackling and harassing made it hard for them to play their style of footy.”
Bombers ruckman Jack Vague had another standout game, while Jason Kerr controlled the rhythm of the game across half-back, taking intercept marks all day.
“All the leaders of the team stepped up,” Francis said.
“There was a big crowd and it was a beautiful day.”