Bill West
“We’ve got our brand (of football) back,” Riddell coach Justin Belleville declared as the Bombers were well on their way to a convincing victory against Macedon on Saturday.
With the sixth annual Puka Up Cup at stake, and memories of a meagre two goals against Woodend-Hesket on Good Friday behind them, the Bombers ran away to topple Macedon by 40 points.
In the other two Riddell District Football matches played, Woodend-Hesket hit a roadblock against a formidable Diggers Rest, and Wallan downed Romsey by 13 points in a low-scoring affair.
On an overcast day the threat of rain held off until late in the senior match at Bomberland.
Macedon’s hopes were dented when two prime players could not take their place in the team.
Captain Jason Cooke, a match winner up forward, was ruled out with a frustrating leg problem; vice-captain Hamish Govan – former Kyneton captain – could not be selected because of a one-match suspension dating back to his former league in Queensland.
This left Cats’ coach Al Meldrum with a balancing act, and the Cats had a goal on the board in the first minute.
A couple of long range goals to the southern end lifted the Bombers, but scores were tied at quarter time.
Ruck battles were somewhat even, and goals were scarce with the Bombers having more of the ball, and looking like they may break clear.
And so it proved; the second quarter was Riddell at its best, with players running hard, and criss-crossing the ball to open up the field.
The Bombers slammed on five goals, and with the rain creeping in the outcome was all over.
Macedon could manage just one goal in the second half and the wide margin was unlike the close contests these two clubs are renowned for when they meet one another.
Belleville was impressed with how his side played, particularly in the dominant quarter.
“No airy fairy football: had been a simple instruction, and the Bombers showed they were prepared to take risks if necessary to try and obtain reward.
Strong, fast and fit utility player Dylan Tarczon was formidable, and seems set for a great season for the Bombers.
The tallest player on the field was 19-year-old Darcy McGrath, a former Gisborne junior.
He finished with three goals and with such a long reach, could be even more dangerous as the season progresses.
McGrath can take the ruck pressure off captain Josh Grabham, and being mobile as well as tall is a big asset.
Macedon tried hard, and Meldrum has a side which can certainly be competitive … include Cooke and Govan and they will be much more settled.
PUKA UP CUP
The Puka Up Cup went to Riddell on a 4-3 aggregate, with each club winning two netball matches, and the Bombers taking out two of the three football contests.
Puka Up provides a way forward to help with mental health problems, and both clubs have felt the loss of individual members in recent years.
At the half-time luncheon, Riddell life member Gerry Nolan reflected briefly on Puka Up, describing it as a great initiative.
“You are never alone … it’s okay to let anyone talk to you about it,” he said.
Accepting the Cup after the match, Josh Grabham had the same message, urging anyone with problems to “talk to someone”.
DIGGERS A BIG CHANCE
On Anzac Day, Diggers Rest comes to Macedon for a one-off match on that day; on May 13 the Riddell versus Diggers Rest match should attract a sizeable crowd.
Even at this early stage, these two sides are strong chances to play off for the 2023 flag.
Six goals to one in the third term by Diggers Rest put paid to any chance Woodend-Hesket had of remaining undefeated.
Romsey led Wallan for the first half, but the Magpies produced a three-goals-to-one third term, and found 7.12 sufficient to take the points.
