Netball
25 August, 2025
Bombers overcome spirited Demons
Noradjuha Quantong’s A grade netball side will continue their finals campaign this weekend after defeating Laharum 46-39 in a physical contest during Sunday’s elimination final.
Playing at North Park in Stawell, Noradjuha Quantong quickly established a lead, going up 14-10 at the first break.
With Noradjuha Quantong defenders Brooke Pay and Taylor Shelley causing issues for Laharum’s shooters, and shooters Taya Quick and Shannon Couch consistently capitalising on the side’s impressive ball movement, the Bombers raced to a 28-15 halftime lead, dominating the second quarter.
The reigning premiers responded after halftime, with Emalie Iredell leading Laharum’s defensive effort as Courtney Taylor and Rylee Hateley knocked down opportunities in the goal circle, reducing the deficit to six goals (35-29) at three-quarter time.
The Demons kept that momentum early in the final quarter, making it a 38-35 game early in the fourth.
However, the Bombers stood tall on the defensive end while minimising their mistakes to increase the lead, eventually pulling out a seven-goal victory.
Noradjuha Quantong's Pay was arguably the best on court with her defensive impact, while Quick contributed a game-high 33 goals to help deliver the Bombers' victory.
Laharum’s Iredell was one of the Demon’s best, while Taylor led the losing side with 21 goals.
Noradjuha Quantong coach Fiona Rowe acknowledged the full-team effort, including constant bench rotations, as helping produce the win.
“Our whole season is all about just bringing it as a team,” she said.
“Yes, we've got stars all over the court, but it takes four quarters, a team effort, and you can see out there that we had to rotate on and off the bench to keep people going, and we did that.
“We were able to rotate, we were able to slot a few things around and come away with the four quarters.”
Asked about the team’s composure in halting Laharum’s comeback in the fourth quarter, Rowe says putting an onus on ball security was pivotal down the stretch.
“It's just protecting that ball, it's keeping possession,” Rowe said.
“It’s about trying to pretend that ball is gold and we want to protect it and look after it.
“And there were times when we lapsed that concentration, and that's the pressure that they put us under.
“So credit to them (Laharum). They’ve been the pinnacle of our District League for a few years now. To knock them off, it feels pretty awesome.”
The loss concludes Laharum’s season, while Noradjuha Quantong will take on Edenhope Aspley on Sunday, where the winner will proceed to the preliminary finals.