What an extraordinary contrast in Riddell League football matches affecting the final five on Saturday!
Coming off its best win of the season over reigning premier Diggers Rest, Kyneton struggled to beat cellar-dweller Lancefield by four points to keep finals hopes alive.
The drawcard Riddell versus Romsey match was a fizzer as far as a contest was concerned, with the rampant Bombers demolishing the Redbacks by a massive 83 points.
At Tony Clarke Reserve, fifth-placed Macedon totally outplayed Woodend-Hesket to win by 52 points, while Wallan jumped into second place and tuned up for the finals with a massive margin of 125 points against Melton Centrals.
There are two home and away rounds to go, and on Saturday’s form, Macedon should be able to keep Kyneton at bay … but one never knows in advance.
The ‘Battle of the Tigers’ at the Kyneton Showgrounds was a puzzling affair, with each side restricted to just six goals for the entire match.
Lancefield had only three scoring shots in the first half, as Kyneton failed to capitalise on numerous opportunities with the home side ahead by 19 points at half-time.
Expectations from Kyneton fans that their side would run away with the match on resumption were dashed, as Lancefield lifted to cut the margin to 14 points at the last change.
In the end, Kyneton managed to hang on for a less than impressive 6.10 (46) to 6.6 (36) victory.
Kyneton players wore heritage guernseys to break up the Tiger stripes.
Caleb Fisher. 
Evan Davie. 
Bailey Ryan. 
Cody Young.
This Saturday, Kyneton plays close rival Woodend-Hesket at Gilbert Gordon Oval and must win to remain in contention.
Kyneton’s Reserves and Under 19.5s won and should figure in the finals.
Woodend-Hesket floundered on the Tony Clarke arena, and the fired-up Cats led by five goals at half-time.
The Hawks struggled to break through in the second half as the Cats boosted percentage with an encouraging 12.9 (81) to 4.5 (29) victory.
Talented teenager Brad Cooke kicked a career best six goals for the Cats, and experienced campaigners Hamish Govan and Matthew Dick were in fine form. Tobi Duff-Tytler, Cody Bowen and Dan Toman were best for the Hawks.
BOMBERS FIRE UP
Riddell is in devastating form at present, and the label of premiership favourite sits comfortably at Bomberland.
After and even first term, Riddell stifled the Redbacks and had the match under control at half-time.
A miserable second half saw Romsey add a paltry 2.5 while the Bombers rammed home 9.5.
When Dylan Tarczon plays one of his inspirational games, the Bombers seem to lift all over the ground, and Tarczon was dominant with four goals and plenty of possessions.
Bombers’ coach Aaron Bray is entitled to very happy with his side, with the exuberance from players across all age groups very evident.
After the comprehensive 19.9 (123) to 5.10 (40) victory the Bombers will be very relaxed with the bye this weekend, then a last round match at Lancefield leading into the finals.
Romsey is at home to Diggers Rest on Saturday, and know the double chance is well and truly at stake.at stake.
BOYALL IS BACK
Wallan has plenty of talent, but the Magpies can be inconsistent, and long time coach Daniel Nolan must be hoping the Magpies play to their potential in the finals.
A big plus for Wallan is the return of 2022 Bowen Medallist Steve Boyall, adding class to a lineup that could really make its presence felt.
The Magpies accounted for a struggling Melton Centrals 25.12 (162) to 5.7 (37).
