Sport
18 June, 2025
Bomber netballers consolidate
COBDEN’S senior footballers had a 58 point loss to Portland at Hanlon Park on Saturday, going down 16.18.114 to 7.14.56.
The third placed Tigers kicked the first four goals of the match before Louis Darcy slotted through the first major for the Bombers.
A minute later Matty Drayton kicked Cobden’s second, with the home team taking a 12 point lead into the first change.
Portland dominated the second quarter but were inaccurate in front of goal, kicking four goals six to three goals two.
The Tigers kicked four of the five goals kicked in the third term to skip out to a 41-point lead by the final change.
Portland scored four goals to one in the last quarter to increase the final margin.
Sam Lucas, Matty Drayton and Matthew Kemp were best for the Bombers, Drayton the only multiple goal kicker with two.
In the reserves, Portland scored a convincing 19.6.120 to 5.3.32 win.
Angus Molan, Luke Hickey and Brodie Foster were the Bombers best.
Portland had a 12.11.83 to 4.8.32 win in the under 18s.
Best for Cobden were Noah Bignell, Kayden Daffy and Harvey Wiggins, with Ryan Mottram kicking two goals.
On Sunday at the Cobden Community Bank Recreation Reserve, Cobden scored a big 13.12.90 to 2.5.17 win in the under 16 game.
Rusty Ponting, Lenny Walsh and Micah Darcy were best for the Bombers, with Darcy kicking leading the goalkickers with four, Jasper Fraser kicking three.
Portland scored an 18-point win in the under 14s, 6.7.43 to 4.1.25.
Cooper Unwin kicked two goals for the Bombers, with Xander Kent, Michael Bennallack and Jack Couch best.
Cobden got the points in the under 12 football with a 3.3.21 to 1.6.12 win.
Charlie Dunn, Harry White and Oscar Dart were the Bombers best, Dunn also kicking two goals.
Fourth-placed Cobden have opened up an eight point break on the ladder over Camperdown and Portland with a 63-46 win over Portland in the Open netball.
“We were very wary of Portland, we knew it was a danger game and one we needed to win,” Cobden coach Nadine McNamara said.
The Bombers started well and led throughout, pleasing the coach.
“We’ve made our starts a focus during the past month, before that we were sluggish early in games.
“I was really happy with how we were on Saturday.”
Nine goals up at half-time, Cobden was dominant in the third term, scoring 19 goals to 10.
“We really stepped up our conversion in the third quarter and played with a high intensity.”
McNamara rated wing defence Alicia Blain as Cobden’s best.
“Alicia communicated well and led our defence, she’s a great organiser down back.”
Jaymie Finch was also in Cobden’s best, McNamara full of praise for her goal attack.
“Jaymie again was fantastic, the way she works in with and helps (goal shooter) Nikki Clover is exceptional.”
Finch scored 28 goals and Clover 35 for the Bombers.
“I’m really proud of the team’s performance, it consolidates our position on the ladder.”
A big game ahead for the Bombers this Saturday with a match up against the unbeaten South Warrnambool.
“South Warrnambool has been dominant, they team has amazing depth and we are looking forward to what will be a great challenge.”
The division one netball saw Cobden have a 45-29 win.
Jessica Bouchier scored 25 goals for the Bombers, with Hannah Anderson scoring 20.
Cobden came from behind in the division two netball to record a 36-33 win.
Hailey Mahoney scored 27 goals and was named best on court, with Courtney Gatens and Tonya Spokes also in the best.
Portland got the points in division three with a 43-19 win.
Best for the Bombers were Aiesha Ireland, Jacque Dickson and Tayla Hickey, with Ireland and Hickey scoring seven goals each.
The under 17 match saw Portland record a 43-21 win.
Emily Hickey, Shelby Mahony and Mia McVilly were best for the under 17 Bombers.
Portland had a strong 44-11 win in the under 15 netball.
Martha Andrew, Sarah Bridges and Maddison Fisher were best for the Bombers, with Ava Bonner scoring eight goals.
The 13 and under netball saw Cobden have a big 49-17 win.
Best for Cobden were Dakoda Baker, Stephanie Fleming and Lily Baxter.
Charlotte Dean shot 32 goals for the winners, with Olivia Bignell scoring 17.
Cobden also took out the 13 and under reserves game with a 25-6 victory.
Mahli Baxter, Mollie Rochfort and Grace Barber were best for the Bombers, Emma Bonner top scoring with 11 goals and Amelia Katsaros shooting 8.
Read More: Cobden