While Noradjuha-Quantong supporters celebrated Noradjuha’s pre-merger glory days at Horsham City Oval on Saturday, the club’s on-field performance had onlookers dreaming of more premiership success in the near future.

The club capped a celebration of Noradjuha’s 1956, 1966 and 1975-78 flags by defeating three-time reigning Horsham District league premier Harrow-Balmoral 8.8 (56) to 4.14 (38) amid sodden conditions.

The match was moved from the Bombers’ Quantong Recreation Reserve home ground due to playing-surface issues, but coach Damian Cameron said the day had run smoothly on and off the field.

“It was a great weekend for us apart from the weather. I think the majority of the netball and football teams had a good day,” he said.

“It was a pretty big job for the club getting everything organised and into city oval, but it was ideal because our oval wasn’t up to scratch.

“It worked out perfectly that we were able to use that oval, and you wouldn’t get many better facilities.”

On the field, the Bombers stifled the Roos in the first half, leading 5.6 (36) to 0.6 (6) at the long break.

Mid-season recruit Lee Dale was a clear standout for the Bombers, while the clean ball use of players like Riley Dunlop and James Gregg was valuable in the wet.

Inaccuracy continued to trouble the Roos as they mounted a second-half comeback attempt, kicking 4.8 to 3.2 after the long break.

Cameron said his team would take confidence from its second win against the reigning premiers this season.

“Obviously you’ve got to look into the way Harrow-Balmoral plays because they’re such an elite team, and with the things we put in place I think we pretty much nailed everything in the first half,” he said.

“In the second half they threw everything at us and we probably didn’t get everything right, so they gave us a bit of a push at the end, but to hold on was an ideal result.”

While the evenness of the Bombers’ performance pleased Cameron – with no multiple goal-kickers – he singled out Dale’s performance in the midfield.

“Lee’s been an ideal get for us. He was linked with a few of the guys who are travelling to play with Wimmera league’s Horsham Saints, so that’s how we got the connection,” he said.

“He jumped straight on board when we approached him, and he’s an absolute ripping bloke. 

“Obviously his footy speaks for itself, so we’ve been pretty lucky to have him.

“Now that we don’t have Jayden Besford with his shoulder injury, he brings that hardness to the team.

“He’s a great tackler and a really good decision-maker. He’s a general in the middle, and because the bulk of our midfield haven’t hit their peak yet he’s been good with his leadership in there.”

For the Roos, youngster Archer Cameron impressed, while Will Plush and Peter Staude brought their customary toughness to the midfield.

While the 10-2 Roos remain atop the ladder, only percentage separates them from second-placed Laharum and the third-placed Bombers, with Kaniva-Leeor United one win behind in fourth.

The fight for the fifth finals berth also remains tight, with Pimpinio slipping to sixth after coming up just short in another thriller against modern rival Laharum.

One goal to three behinds was enough to give the Tigers a quarter-time lead, but weight of scoring shots saw Laharum gain the lead in the second and third terms.

Ahead by two straight kicks at the final change, the Demons managed only one behind in the last quarter as Brock Hamerston tried to spur the Tigers to a come-from-behind win, but Laharum hung on to win 3.9 (27) to 3.6 (24).

Best for the Demons were big man Shannon Argall and Todd Heynen.

Taking Pimpinio’s place in the top five is Kalkee after a 12.8 (80) to 4.6 (30) win against Taylors Lake, led by Karl Campbell and four goals to Jye Walter.

The Kees host the Tigers this weekend in what shapes as a vital clash for both sides.

Other games on Saturday saw Kaniva-Leeor United 10.11 (71) defeat Natimuk United 2.8 (20) and Edenhope-Apsley 11.10 (76) best Rupanyup 7.10 (52).

In addition to the blockbuster at Kalkee, this weekend’s other games feature Laharum hosting Rupanyup, Noradjuha-Quantong away to Natimuk United and Harrow-Balmoral at home against Swifts.

Finals fixtures announced

The league last week announced venues for each of its finals, with Horsham City Oval to host the grand final for the first time since 2022 on Saturday, September 12.

Kalkee Recreation Reserve will host a qualifying final on August 22, with an elimination final at Harrow Recreation Reserve on August 23.

Semi-finals will both be on August 29, with a second semi-final at Rupanyup Recreation Reserve and the first semi-final at Edenhope Recreation Reserve.

Pimpinio will play host to the preliminary final on September 5.

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