An intriguing fifth round of Riddell League football on Saturday in more ways than one.
There were two absolute thrashings handed out: Powerhouse Diggers Rest followed up its demolition of Macedon by outclassing Gisborne Giants by 179 points as unstoppable recruit spearhead Callum Moore kicked 15 goals.
Secondly, seemingly unfazed by the unexpected drubbing seven days earlier, a methodical Macedon turned on a 16 goals to one second half to finish up with a 120-point margin over neighbours Woodend-Hesket.
Then there was the thriller! Finals contender Kyneton suffered a very costly defeat by ONE POINT after travelling to play Melton South. This loss could haunt the Tigers as the 2026 season progresses.
As a prelude, Kyneton and Melton South played a 11.7 (73) to a 11.7 (73) draw in the Reserves to set the stage for the main encounter.
In the other matches, Riddell took control against old rivals Romsey with eight goals straight in the second term, with the final margin 32 points in favour of the Bombers, and cellar dweller Lancefield stuck with Melton Centrals for three quarters before going down by 39 points.
Macedon’s 1976 premiership side held a 50-year reunion at Tony Clarke Reserve, and the old timers who turned up saw the modern-day Cats show their class against Woodend-Hesket.
Just how Macedon would perform after being given a football lesson at Diggers Rest was a question that many were keen to see answered.
Cats’ coach Al Meldrum was certainly pleased with the depth of class and teamwork showed by his players. It was clear they had put the ‘Diggers’ nightmare behind them.
At half-time the Cats led by 26 points, and the third term produced a lesson in possession football with the home side kicking 10.5 to nil.
The end result was 24.8 (152) to 5.2 (32).
Imposing ruckman Charlie Rossetti was listed as the Cats’ best, and Hawks’ skipper Daniel Toman gained the Hawks’ nod for their best.
The third-placed Cats had 12 different goalkickers and will confidently head to Romsey for an important battle this Saturday.
BOMBERS JOLTED
Riddell received a shock when home side Romsey kicked six goals in the first term to show it was “game on”, but the second term was a total turn around.
There was some top football as the Bombers kicked eight straight to go to half-time with a decisive edge.
Romsey star Jack Jedwab managed three goals, below his season’s average, and Riddell coach Matt Darby kicked six and did not finish in his side’s top six best players!
Ultra reliable Ben Sonogan and the Williamson brothers were in fine form, and the Redbacks were well served by Joshua Crump, Sam Wilson and Corey Pertzel.
The Bombers ended up with an 18.11 (119) to 13.9 (87) victory.
In the Melton South versus Kyneton encounter, the outcome was hard to predict, with both sides producing bursts of good football.
The home side led by nine points at the last change, and Kyneton had enough of the ball to snatch victory, but it did not happen. Scores were 14.7 to 13.12.
Young speedster Jacob Grinter turned in his best game for the Tigers, with ruckman Hadyn Smith and Caleb Fisher also prominent.
At home, Gisborne Giants were shocked by the intensity of premiership favourite Diggers Rest, with the Burras dominating each quarter to end up with a 33.18 (215) to 5.7 (37) margin.
Moore, a top Ovens and Murray League player after stints with two AFL clubs, had a real day out and Diggers Rest is in the happy situation of having an abundance of talent at its disposal this season.
Melton Centrals broke away in the last quarter to defeat Lancefield 13.21 (99) to 9.6 (60).
The Tigers have yet to break through for a win, but feel they must have a chance at home to Woodend-Hesket on Saturday.
