Bombers coach Tony Blackford didn't hold back in his frank assessment of their humiliating 100-point plus MPNFL Nepean League loss to second-bottom Red Hill the previous week. A week later Blackford declared his team's 19.6 (120) to 8.15 (63) victory over Rye "sensational" and has it poised as a serious premiership contender.

The personnel was the same but there was a new attitude in the Bombers' camp. A week of soul searching and a few home truths had the Bombers coming out fired up and committed.

It's true what they say: footy is played mostly above the shoulders.

The Bombers' players and supporters didn't necessarily agree with the press throughout the week, but sometimes the truth can spring a club into action.

On Saturday, that's exactly what happened with the Bombers. Rye squandered opportunities in the first quarter and by half-time, the game was done. The Bombers were seven goals up after a 7.4 to 1.2 quarter and, within an hour, their season was back on track.

Nathan (five goals) and Ryan Lonie were at their best, Darren Hulme and Brian O'Carroll were having a real influence and youngsters Scott Foster, Mick Maiorino and Dale Sutton were making an impact. Jeremy Waixel was also in red-hot form at full-back.

The Bombers remain in fifth place with a home match against Rosebud and then a clash against unpredictable Tyabb on the road. Aaron Fiddes booted five goals in a superb solo effort for the Demons.

Somerville had one last roll of the dice on Saturday, but couldn't match one of the best sides in the competition, going down to Hastings 18.11 (119) to 10.9 (69).

The Eagles were brave in the opening half, but just couldn't sustain the pressure required to remain competitive when the game was on the line. With two games to go, they need a miracle to get into the five.

The Blues were far too powerful, small forwards Timmy Churchin and Aaron Pike booting five and three goals respectively and Colin McVeigh and Grant Masterson slotting three each. David Hirst kicked four for the Eagles.