Bombers grounded by Elmore

Leitchville-Gunbower has missed an opportunity to pick up its second victory of the HDFL season after losing to previously winless Elmore by 36 points on Saturday.

Darcy Laffy led the way with eight goals for Elmore as the Bloods claimed their first win of the season 13.7 (85) to 18.13 (121).

A fast start helped Elmore to a 16-point lead at quarter-time, while a nine-goal third term helped put the result beyond doubt. The defeat is L-G’s fifth loss in a row, but the six-goal margin was a lot lower than its 168-point loss to Colbinabbin the previous week.

Despite the result on Saturday, Bombers coach Tim Bannan still saw some positives in the way his side played.

“We were a lot better this week,” Bannan said. “In the fourth quarter we played some really good footy, but we left it a bit too late.

“We showed that when we stick to our structure we can play a good, quick brand of footy.

“I think it was a good team effort, but we need to work a bit harder and keep our structures for longer.”

Bannan said Elmore was the better side on the day. “We gave them an early head start. They took their opportunities when they went inside 50 and we didn’t,” he said.

“They utilised the ball when they had it in hand, whereas we butchered it at times.

“They aren’t as bad as their results have been, I think personally. They have got some pretty good players, they have run with some of the top sides early on.” James Barrett played his first senior game of the season for the Bombers on Saturday and the 15-year-old was L-G’s leading goal-kicker with four majors.

Bannan said it was a great performance from the youngster, who made his senior debut as a 14-year-old last season.

Bannan said Jobee Ward, Mitchell Candy and Billy Hawken were three other players who were good for his side on Saturday. “I thought Jobee was really good again. Mitch was pretty good. He was crook and was just coming off the flu, so I thought he had a really good game as well,” Bannan said.

“Billy Hawken showed again why he is an elite half-forward flanker and midfielder. I thought he was really good as well.”