The Bombers survived a spirited comeback from Warrnambool to score a one-goal win at Cobden Recreation Reserve on Saturday.

Hill said the 34-33 result was important for her emerging team.

“We have quite a young side and we had a really hard off-season so it’s nice for them to get a reward for their effort,” she said.

“Hopefully it gives them a bit of confidence.”

She said the Bombers were looking forward to Saturday’s match against Terang Mortlake, a side that had leapt into finals contention with consecutive wins to start the season, including one over defending premier Koroit.

“If we can match it with them it shows we have the potential (to be in finals contention),” she said.

Hill said dry conditions suited her team on Saturday, with speed overcoming a lack of height in attack.

She was delighted with the form of Timboon recruit Rebecca Dendle at goal shooter, goal attack Alicia Blain and under 17 midcourter Sophie Blain at wing attack and wing defence.

“Sophie got some critical intercepts in the last five minutes of the last quarter.”

Goal defence Jess Rohan was also important, providing plenty of drive down the court. Warrnambool coach Krystal Day was disappointed for her players after they suffered their second consecutive one-goal loss.

Day said she was proud of her team for fighting back after Cobden opened a six-goal buffer in the opening term,  before levelling the scores at half-time. The Bombers gained a four-goal advantage midway through the final term before the Blues hit back.

She said the absence of assistant coach Marlie Boyd at goal attack had been critical. Boyd, who missed the match with an ankle injury, was replaced by A1 goal attack Mahni Wright, but she suffered an ankle injury in the earlier game. 

She battled through until halfway through the third quarter before being replaced by Donna Chatfield.

“She did really well but it was a bit too late,” Day said.

Defender Sarah O’Keeffe was the Blues’ best player.