Race for first heats up as Bombers soar
AUSSIE RULES: Just as Toowoomba looked to have the minor premiership sewn up, South Toowoomba women have thrown a spanner in the works.
The Bombers opened up a lead, and desperately held off a late Tigers charge to prevail 4.2 (26) to 3.7 (25) at Rockville Oval.
Two goals to Lauren McKeiver sparked a second quarter comeback, with the Bombers holding a ninepoint lead heading into the final term.
The ball was camped deep in their territory as the clock wound down, but they were able to hold on to grind out the one-point win.
Coach Adrian Koelmeyer said his side is starting to peak at the right time, as they squad begins to come together.
“We’ve got a lot of new players, but they’re really starting to mesh and take to the game,” he said.
“That’s the second time we’ve done that (held on late). We were losing every quarter at Kingaroy before winning in the last couple of minutes.
“There’s no giving up in these girls. That’s one of the most impressive things with this group.”
Goondiwindi picked up its second win of the season, downing South Burnett 3.5 (23) to 2.3 (15).
The Hawkettes kicked two goals to have the edge at the main break, before another in the third gave them enough of a buffer to hold on.
Christina Ash’s two goals was the difference, as Goondiwindi moved to within two points of the Saints in third on the ladder.
It sets up a mouth-watering clash between the Bombers and Hawkettes this weekend.
“We’re a bit worried about Goondiwindi. We had an easy win last time we played, but they were only just putting their side together,” Koelmeyer said.
“They’ll be full of confidence.”
LEADING SIDES PUSH FURTHER AHEAD
The two Allied Pickfords Cup fixtures saw two premiership contenders flex their muscles.
At Rockville Oval, a hot start from South Toowoomba saw them complete a clean sweep of the Tigers, recording a 13.10 (88) to 3.9 (27) victory.
The Bombers led from start to finish throughout the afternoon, taking a 39-point advantage into the second half.
Gabe Robbie further extended his lead in the competition’s goalscoring ranks, booting home six majors, putting him 17 ahead of Coolaroo’s Samuel Copland.
Goondiwindi travelled to Warwick to face off with the Redbacks at WCU Oval, prevailing 11.14 (80) to 5.6 (36).
Angus Croft kicked five goals in the victory, that keeps the Hawks in a share of top spot with the Bombers, with a game in hand.