EVEN though you couldn't hear Colleen Sullivan at the netball on Saturday, the daughter of Cobden's loudest supporter believed her mother was there. "Our goalies were missing shots but then they'd get the rebounds and I was just thinking 'Maybe that's Mum giving us another chance','' said Renae Sullivan, who took to the court against Port Fairy four days after her mother died of bowel cancer. "With Mum's positive attitude, she always said if anything should happen, you've got to keep going and do what you'd normally do. With Mum being an important part of the Cobden Football Netball Club, I knew I had to play. She was always in the back of my mind and I kept thinking: `Win this one for Mum'.'' The Bombers' A2 side defeated the Seagulls 27-23 with defender Sullivan best on court. Her younger sister, Naomi, was also judged best as the Bombers' 17 and under side drew 30-30. Their mother was always at courtside for the pair's matches and wasn't afraid to use her voice like she did when watching the footy. "The netball court's different to the oval so sometimes after the game we'd say `Mum, you don't have to yell so loud,'' said Sullivan, who conceded the loud cheers were very much appreciated when it came to finals. Naomi and Renae were also present when brother Ricky placed flowers on a shrine, Colleen's folding chair with her blanket and scarf, which footballers lit candles around before the senior football started.

AND then there were two. Qalo Sukabula has joined Shirley McSwain as the other Hampden league umpire who holds an A grade badge. Sukabula was awarded the badge on Wednesday night after numerous trips to Melbourne after work to officiate at weekly Victorian Netball League (VNL) championship matches.

"At a local level, I'll be able to pass on what I know to other umpires,'' he said. This year marks Sukabula's fifth in umpiring. "For those up-and-coming umpires that are maybe thinking about getting to a higher level... if you get a chance to take it, then take it,'' he said.