Bill West
Before what some believe was the biggest home and away match crowd ever seen at Lancefield, Saturday’s match was close for three quarters before Romsey drew clear to win by 34 points.
There was a tremendous atmosphere at the match between the traditional neighbouring rivals, with the Tigers also celebrating their 150th year with a history book launch.
An impressive pre-match ceremony saw both teams and umpires line up on the ground in front of the Laurie Green Pavilion, with the coin toss carried out by Bern Shannon – a Bowen Medal winner and arguably Lancefield’s greatest living sportsman.
Conditions were ideal for good football, and the new electronic scoreboard was in operation.
With captain Tom Waters dominating in the ruck, the Tigers ensured coach Tim Bannon was pleased with the overall endeavour, which produced four goals and a quarter time lead over the fourth-placed Redbacks who could ill-afford a defeat after the previous round’s loss to Woodend-Hesket.
Romsey received a huge blow when tough and inspiring leader Nathan Blair left the ground with a suspected broken arm.
By half-time the Redbacks had regained the lead, and the third term was again a close contest. Supporters on both sides had plenty to cheer about.
In the final quarter the Redbacks extended their lead with some good teamwork and individual skills to finish up with a 15.6 to 9.8 victory.
With top forward Jack Jedwab (five goals) a threat, and the elusive Darcy Lockens kicking four, the Redbacks can now look forward to a very tough battle with the unbeaten Diggers Rest on Saturday.
Nathan Tessari’s inclusion helped, and Nathan Rayment, Corey Pertzel and Chris Petroro were also prominent.
For the Tigers, Nicholas Simpson, Lachlan and Darcy Giles, Luke Fellows, Waters and Alex Simpson were named in the ‘best’ list.
A special autographed Lancefield 1888 replica jumper was auctioned for $2800 after the match, and will have a permanent home in the Lancefield Hotel.
SHOCK FOR RIDDELL
Melton Centrals caused the boilover of the season by defeating reigning premier Riddell by a point on Saturday.
Riddell sorely missed dynamo Dylan Tarczon who sustained a shoulder injury against Romsey on May 4.
This was an extraordinary match, with Centrals inspired when they led by 15 points at half time.
The Bombers lifted, and they trailed by two points entering the last term.
Remarkably, Riddell kicked seven successive behinds in a row, and Centrals a solitary goal, in a desperation finish.
In fifth position on the ladder, Riddell is at home to Lancefield on Saturday.
