Bombers, Swans play out thriller

FOR the second time this season Wandella’s A grade side have had to be content to share the points over a top four opponent, with the Bombers’ clash against Moulamein ending in a 41-all draw on the weekend.

The result follows Wandella’s round 1 tie against Ultima, with both teams scoring 42 goals on that occasion.

Saturday’s draw leaves the Bombers hopes of a finals appearance at risk, with Wandella remaining six points behind the Swans in the race for fourth spot.

With just five rounds remaining, victory would have brought the Bombers to within two points of Moulamein on the ladder, with Wandella now needing to upset one of Murrabit, Hay or Ultima in the final rounds in order to leapfrog their way into fourth.

It was an opportunity missed for Wandella, who after a six goal burst either side of three-quarter time managed to open up a nine-goal lead with 13 minutes remaining in the match.

From there it was all Moulamein however, with the Swans peeling off seven consecutive goals to storm back into the match to eventually tie the scores.

With a minute remaining, Remi Macri appeared as though she would be the match winner for Wandella, with the goal attack calmly converting her 20th goal of the match to give the Bombers a one-goal lead.

Moulamein had other ideas however, with Meg Rooney once again levelling the scores in the dying seconds with her 20th goal of the match, with the buzzer sounding with the scores locked at 41-41.

Wing attack Breigh Vistarini was named as the Swans’ best, with Jorja McDonald (21 goals), Emily Michaelmore and Laura Michaelmore also among Moulamein’s better players.

For the Bombers, defender Zoe Gray was a key contributor along with goal shooter Emilie Lancaster (21 goals).

While the Bombers very nearly caused an upset, it was nothing compared to Macorna’s effort in pushing reigning premiers Hay to within three goals in their match at the Lions’ den on the weekend.

The Lions led throughout the match after taking an early lead thanks to six unanswered first quarter goals, however were unable to shake the determined Tigers who refused to yield in a much-improved performance from a side yet to taste victory this season.

The match was still up for grabs until the final minute, with Hay goal shooter Kellie Walker (35 goals) scoring the last two goals in quick succession to push the game beyond reach.

The 55-52 result was a credit to Macorna’s determination, with the young Tigers refusing to give in despite going up against a more experienced opponent.

The final match was another tough encounter, with ladder leaders Murrabit proving too strong for Ultima in a 10-goal win.

The 44-34 victory was the Blues 10th of the season with Murrabit continuing to prove they are the team to beat for this year’s A grade premiership.

It was another impressive performance from Murrabit who won every quarter except the third, with the Roos outscoring the Blues by one goal after half-time.

Goal keeper Bianca Brasser was best on for Ultima, with midcourter Jade Symons also among the Roos better players, with Murrabit’s Grace Gillingham finishing as the game’s leading goal scorer with 22 goals.