Bill West
A pulsating scoring avalanche of 10 goals in the second quarter from a fired-up Riddell effectively decided the Riddell League’s qualifying final at Romsey on Saturday.
The Bombers ran riot, dominating clearances and finding holes in the Wallan defence to virtually score at will and open up a lead of 38 points at half time.
The lead proved defendable, and it mattered little that the Bombers could only notch three goals in the second half – two came at the beginning of the last term to snuff out any remote hope of a Magpies’ comeback.
Wallan beat a sluggish Diggers Rest by 93 points the previous weekend, and these two sides clash again at Macedon on Saturday to determine Riddell’s grand final opponent.
Diggers Rest rammed home five last quarter goals to overhaul a gallant Macedon in the elimination final at Gilbert Gordon Oval on Sunday. The Cats were worn down after leading by 11 points at the last change.
After defeating Wallan, Bombers’ coach Justin Belleville quickly hosed down premiership euphoria, praising his side for a strong performance when it mattered.
“You have done everything right … now you have two weeks to prepare for the grand final,” he said.
Riddell’s speedsters made an impact on Wallan after the Magpies had kicked to the scoring end and opened up a lead of 13 points, with leading goalkicker Matt Perri back in the side and making an early impact.
All season Riddell has given the impression that at or near full strength in fine conditions the side could make the grand final.
The last round percentage boost, which saw Riddell displace Diggers Rest on top of the ladder, has proved vital for the Bombers.
Diminutive teenage flanker Jack Hammerling ran riot in the second term, kicking four goals himself, as Wallan supporters – and no doubt coach David Nolan – wondered what was taking place in direct contrast to the qualifying final when the Magpies reigned supreme.
The Williamson brothers also have pace to burn, and the return of strong contester Dylan Tarczon from injury was another bonus.
Eventually Riddell won by three goals, 14.7 to 11.7, and played keeping offs to good effect as the clock ticked down.
Wallan Reserves are in the grand final, as are Riddell Under 19.5s.
Macedon, coached by Al Meldrum, finished fifth and did well to defeat Romsey in the elimination final then push Diggers Rest all the way.
A long inspiring goal from the flank by coach Jamie Lobb lifted The Burras in the last term against the Cats, and respective quality forwards Matt Jensen and Jason Cooke each finished with five goals in a final score line of 12.9 to 10.4.
Can Diggers Rest now turn around a 93 points drubbing by Wallan?
The match is at Tony Clarke Reserve on Saturday and anything could happen, but it would be a real surprise if the Magpies fail to earn another crack at the Bombers.
Romsey U19.5s impressed with a 12.7 to 4.11 victory over Macedon on Sunday, and now tackle Diggers Rest.
