Orbost Snowy Rovers travelled to Boisdale last Saturday to take on the Bombers in round four of East Gippsland netball, the day highlighted by exciting victories by the Blues in the under 15 and 17 matches.
Momentum fluctuated in the under 15 contest, with Orbost set for a big win when leading by eight at three quarter time, but inspired by a vocal home crowd, the Bombers rallied late, going down by just two goals, much to the relief of the large Boisdale contingent court-side.
The Blues currently sit second on the ladder, with Leila Barnes, Hayley Russell and Abigail Palmer leading the way in the tight final term.
An outstanding opening term, saw the under 17s, leaders by 11 goals at the first change, which extended to 14 by half time, eventually winning, 46-27, with Makayla Edlington, Jas Westaway and Emma Chapman in red hot form.
Once again Orbost Snowy Rovers are sitting pretty in second spot on the ladder, building a good early season record.
The Bombers were victorious (32-17) in the under 13s, with Orbost’s best quarter the final term, when they created some outstanding connections.
Layla Burn, London Austin and Alivia Young were among the better players for Orbost, who showed enough to indicate that an initial win is not far away.
There was disappointment in “A” grade, with the Bombers blowing the game away in first stanza on the way to a 61-22 victory.
The loss sees the Blues drop out of the top four and with performances like that, its going to be tough for them to get back in.
Lara Seal, Jemma Shanahan and Erin Russell tried hard against a slick unit who capitalised on every mistake.
In “B” grade, the Blues were looking for their second win of the season, but despite putting up some impressive passengers of play in every quarter, they lacked the consistency of the Bombers, who prevailed comfortably 31-16.
Claudia Johnson, Phoebe Seal and Harriet Freeman all pushed for senior selection with solid performances.
The Bombers were 35-11 victors in “C” grade, with Narelle Macalister toughing it out strongly for the Blues.
Orbost currently in fifth place on the table with two wins and two losses.
In “D” grade the Bombers led 6-5 at quarter time, before dominating the final three quarters, victorious 32-8, with turnovers left to haunt Orbost.
Veteran Sue Kendrick and Jas Westaway led a limited rear guard action.
It will be another tough assignment netball-wise for the Blues this week, when they welcome the strong Stratford Swans to Lochiel Park.
