Woodend-Hesket footballers went close to causing the boilover of the Riddell League season on Saturday as they led unbeaten top team Diggers Rest by 13 points going into the last quarter of a low-scoring affair.
Desperate to retain top place, the home side threw everything at the Hawks and finished up with a 9.10 (64) to 8.6 (54) victory, a far cry from the big win against Riddell a week earlier.
Woodend-Hesket players almost earned a gallantry award, with the form displayed not consistent with the lowly eighth place on the ladder.
Once again, the tireless Daniel Toman was the Hawks’ best. Could he possibly win another Bowen Medal?
Across the league, excess heavy rain led to virtual mud bath conditions at some grounds. Some players proved they are mud runners, others would much prefer a hard, dry surface.
Fourth-placed Kyneton came out at the Showgrounds determined to make amends for their showing at Wallan on July 19.
The Tigers got rolling against Gisborne Giants after an even first term, and produced the biggest winning margin of the day — 15.21 (111) to 7.7 (49).
Hamish Ryan was in supreme form, as evidenced by a seven-goal haul.
Kyneton has the bye this weekend, then two “must win” matches against two Melton-based clubs before hopefully tackling finals.
After the first quarter, sixth-placed Macedon was never in the hunt at Wallan, with the Magpies continuing their impressive form of recent rounds.
Hamish Govan, Matt Dick and Charlie Rossetti were in good form for the Cats.
Wallan won by 49 points, and travel to Riddell this Saturday for a blockbuster encounter with the Bombers.
Romsey moved into sixth spot with a 7.10 (52) to 2.9 (21) victory against close rival Lancefield, and are keen to earn a spot in the finals.
Thus Macedon versus Romsey encounter at Tony Clarke Reserve this Saturday is hugely important for both sides.
Riddell, possibly still reflecting on what happened against Diggers Rest, won by 56 points against Melton Centrals, with 200-gamer Ben Sonogan the Bombers’ best.
Reminder: Don’t forget the women’s football finals this weekend: Unbeaten Macedon play Lancefield in a qualifying final, and it’s Riddell versus Mt Alexander Falcons in the elimination final.