With Kyneton, Riddell and Macedon all having byes, there seemed to be few chances for surprises in the four football matches in the Riddell League on Saturday.
But surprises there were, in more ways than one.
Woodend-Hesket recovered from kicking a meagre six goals against Romsey on May 16 to seven days later run riot all over Gilbert Gordon Oval to produce 25 goals and win by a massive 107 points against wooden spoon candidate Lancefield.
It looked like the Hawks had received a massive dose of inspiration, apart from it being National Volunteer Week, so maybe they were inspired by the ‘Women of The Nest’ festivities at Gilbert Gordon on Saturday.
For Lancefield, it was a monumental shock to be largely outplayed in so many positions after thinking this was a real chance for the Tigers to break the ice this season.
Tigers’ coach Ryan O’Meara gave his troops a real ‘bake’ at quarter-time when they trailed 6.2 to 0.2 points, but the momentum train was going one way as the Hawks finished up kicking 25.15 (165) to 8.8 (56).
Riley Ferguson was a star for the Hawks with seven goals, and the Tigers could not sustain pressure for lengthy periods.
For the second match in a row, Reuben Schembri was listed as Lancefield’s best.
So this Saturday the Hawks travel a few kilometres south to take on Macedon in a game the Cats were entitled to think they would have four points in the bag; not now, as there’s big smiles in the Hawks’ camp with coach Alistair Rae finding plenty of positives with his rejuvenated side.
KYNETON – TAKE NOTE!
Kyneton had the bye and spent plenty of time commending their volunteers and enjoying the rest after a tough match against Macedon.
Now it’s off to Melton South this Saturday to face a side that caused an upset by toppling fourth-placed Wallan by 27 points.
And this occurred at Greenhill Reserve, where Wallan last played Melton South 35 years ago!
Admittedly, the Magpies were without ex-AFL big men Cameron Cloke and Jake Carlisle, but astonishingly they were kept goalless in the first half.
It was six goals to three in Wallan’s favour in the third term, but the visitors could smell victory and drew clear in the last term for a surprise 13.10 (88) to 7.9 (51) triumph.
Best afield was Marlion Pickett, dual Richmond premiership player who retired from AFL football last season.
Pickett, now a 33-year-old with immense skills, has certainly added interest to matches involving Melton South. Sam Darley is another star Kyneton will be looking to restrict.
OFF-TARGET ROMSEY
In a remarkable match at Romsey, the home side had plenty of the ball, but made it hard by off-target forward work that yielded an astounding 8.26 (74) to 8.6 by Melton Centrals who led going into the last term.
Redbacks’ veteran Nathan Rayment came up with four goals to help fend off an embarrassment.
It was 38 scoring shots to 14, and Romsey cannot afford such liberties against tough opposition, having the bye to reflect this weekend.
For the first half, a determined Gisborne Giants stayed in touch with Diggers Rest, but the Burras stepped up the pressure in the second half to produce 21.11 (137) to 13.8 (86) margin.
Diggers Rest welcomes Lancefield this Saturday, while the Giants go to face a freshened up Riddell.
The Bombers are likely to be in a mean mood after fading out against Diggers Rest for their first loss of the season on May 16.
And just a general theme from around some clubs — they appreciate their volunteers, but in some instances would welcome some additional help as well.
