THIRTY-one wins from 36 games over the past two seasons, but no silverware to show for it.

That’s the frustrating reality for Leitchville-Gunbower after the Bombers again came up short against North Bendigo in the Heathcote District Football-Netball League grand final for the second year in a row.

Last year it was by 10 points, on Saturday it was by 20 as the Bombers – who rode a 15-game winning streak into the grand final at Huntly – were beaten 14.18 (102) to 13.4 (82).

“We got chopped up through the middle of the ground today… we average 60 to 70 inside 50s a game, but had just 36 today,” dejected Bombers coach Matt Hawken said.

“We didn’t give our forwards enough opportunities, and the second quarter was probably as bad as we’ve played this year.”

While the Bombers kicked three goals in the second quarter, they all came in time-on after they had been unable to get the ball inside 50 for the first 19 minutes as they were plagued by turnovers.

“Too many players didn’t play well today and that’s something we’ve got to address,” Hawken said.

“You’ve got to play well on the big stage, but full credit to North Bendigo.

“We were outplayed today by the better side and to me as a coach, that’s really frustrating.

“It’s a bitter pill today because of the way we played.”