ONE goal makes all the difference. Just ask Cobden’s players.
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The Bombers claimed their third win of the season on Saturday when they defeated Port Fairy 36-35. But it carried more than just the four points.
The result lifted Cobden off the bottom of the ladder, consigning Warrnambool to the wooden spoon by percentage.
It also gave goal defence Allison Tewierik her first victory with the club, having missed their other two wins since joining the club this season.
Captain Natalie Tongs said her teammates were relieved to produce a successful comeback.
They trailed by five goals at three-quarter-time but hit the front with more than six minutes left.
“We just wanted to finish on a good note,” Tongs said.
“We probably were a little bit more accurate with our shooting and we were putting on good pressure.”
The Bombers played 17 and under talent Jess Rohan at goal shooter alongside Tongs, giving them a height advantage under the ring. Rohan was impressive with 28 of the Bombers’ 36 goals, while her sister Rebecca at goal keeper was also influential alongside Tewierik.
North Warrnambool Eagles rounded out their best home-and-away season in club history with a 49-25 win over South Warrnambool.
The second-placed Eagles weren’t without their worries, with centre Maddie Smedts only able to play three quarters because of illness, while goal keeper Rachael Ryan and captain Laura Blackburn also battled sickness. Coach Sharon Kenna said teenager Kate O’Meara was impressive at wing defence, a spot she will occupy in the qualifying final on Saturday in the absence of the injured Indi Morrison.
South Warrnambool midcourter Ruby Wilson said the fourth-placed Roosters used the match to experiment against quality opposition before Sunday’s elimination final against Portland.
Wilson, battling an ankle complaint, did not play, forcing a reshuffle. Olivia Niddrie starting at wing attack before swapping with centre Darcy Wilson. Goal keeper Bridget Smith was pushed up to wing defence.
“We weren’t upset with the score, next week is our priority,” she said.
Hamilton Kangaroos claimed a 59-23 win over Warrnambool before their qualifying final showdown with the Eagles.