Pipped at the post

The Bombers produced their now trademark barnstorming finish when all seemed lost against Mansfield on a sunny Saturday, but just couldn’t get over the line.

The result was an agonising loss — 16.7 to 16.6 — but it was a result that lost Kyabram no supporters in a typical never-say-die performance.

There were stages in the game when the slick moving, bigger and more physical Goulburn Valley League Eagles threatened to run away to a big win, but the young Bombers responded positively to every challenge.

Without injured key defenders Jason Morgan and Brad Whitford, the Bombers’ defence looked vulnerable at times, and the departure of Coby McCarthy after a heavy collision in the opening few minutes further tested Kyabram’s depth.

Tom Holman was the player to spark the late Kyabram comeback, with telling work and goals late in the last term when the Bombers rallied to almost pinch the game.

He kicked three last-quarter goals after starting the game in defence.

Charlie Barnett, who finished with five goals, and Archie Watt and Mick Mattingly, with three each, also played key roles to keep Kyabram in the game.

They are the two most gifted players in the Kyabram side, along with Kaine Herbert and ruck ace Zac Norris, who were also prominent throughout the clash.

Some of the solo efforts by Watt and Mattingly were breathtaking.

Youthful Angus Scoble on a half-back flank was the best of the defenders and has the class to move into a key prime mover role in the future.

Co-coach Corey Carver was proud of his young charges’ efforts and fighting spirit.

‘‘We got it right structurally with the team in the last quarter when we played our best football,“ he said.

‘‘They didn’t give us an inch all day, so it was a good effort to finish how we did.’’

Kyabram has Echuca at Echuca this Saturday in another tough assignment, but certainly won’t be intimidated by the reigning premier.

Morgan is expected to return to stiffen the Kyabram defence for the clash.

My best for Kyabram were: Archie Watt, Mick Mattingly, Zac Norris, Tom Holman, Kaine Herbert, Charlie Barnett and Angus Scoble.

• Kyabram reserves proved too good for fourth-placed Mansfield in an impressive 40-point win.

The Bombers had key players in Sam Sheldon, Nic Jephson and Jarryd Pertzel back for the clash, along with Zac Cerrone and rover Mitch Gugliotti from the seniors, and they were among the standout players in the game.

Gugliotti was inspirational with his fearlessness.

“He had 21 tackles and played a blinder,’’ coach Scott Hearn said of Gugliotti’s effort.

Pertzel kicked three goals and Cerrone and Billy McLay two each to keep the scoreboard pressure on their rivals.

McLay, Cerrone and Sam Vick were key prime movers for the Bombers on the day.

Kyabram meets fifth-placed Echuca this Saturday and needs to win to hold top spot on the ladder from Shepparton Swans, who host sixth-placed Mansfield.

Kyabram and the Swans meet in the final round, which could decide the minor premier.

• Kyabram thirds also had the better of Mansfield in their clash, with a 39-point win.

Co-coach Peter Ryan said he was again happy with his young charges’ performance as a team.

‘‘Every player did his bit again,’’ Ryan said.

Charlie Isaac and Isaiah Scoble were standouts for the young Bombers and Nick Smart was active again on a wing.

Jack Donaldson was the pick of the defenders, while winger Nathan Kuiper had a tagging role, which he carried out with authority.

Cooper O'Neill was the pick of the forwards, while Hamish Stewart was also able to set up scoring chances for teammates as well as kick a couple of vital goals.

The win cemented Kyabram in second place on the ladder and guaranteed it a finals double chance.

It has another big test this week against third-placed Echuca, the defending premier.