Kyneton and Macedon footballers went into the last quarter with narrow leads, but finished up on the same side of the ledger — being beaten — by respective highly rated opponents Diggers Rest and Wallan on Saturday.
It was absorbing football for most of the time, with spectators and players alike wondering what the outcome would be in the important encounters.
Saturday marked the high-profile RDFNL Fight MND Round, a significant day where clubs come together to lift awareness of and raise funds for the ongoing battle to try and find a cure for the deadly Motor Neurone Disease.
The death last week of the legendary former AFL footballer and coach Neale Daniher, who has led the fight for 13 years, was on the minds of many.
A State Funeral is to be held on Wednesday, June 10, at 1pm at the Melbourne Cricket Ground for this inspiring 65-year-old, who came as a boarder to become a sporting leader in football and cricket at Assumption College, Kilmore.
TIGERS BEGIN WELL
At the Showgrounds, Kyneton kicked five first-term goals, before the visitors settled down to establish a lead of four points at the long interval.
A good third term enabled the Tigers to lead by 10 points at the last change.
It proved to be to no avail, with Diggers Rest kicking the last three goals in a desperation finish to secure a 12.8 (80) to 11.10 (76) victory.
So close, so far, for the Tigers, who were best served by Daniel Davie, Harry Ryan, Ethan Turner, Haydn Smith, Angus Nolte and Bailey Jeffrey.
Big recruit ruckman Oleg Markov shone for Diggers Rest, Jarryd Caruna was a constant threat, and Jarryd Bonello and former coach Shaun Campbell were also among best for the Burras.
Macedon, coming off a disappointing three points loss at Melton South, was in the match at Tony Clarke Reserve for a long time.
The Cats, with Jason Cooke dangerous up forward, led by eight points at three-quarter time.
The interchangeable Magpies seized their chance to stay on top of the ladder, and kept Macedon scoreless in the last term.
Two costly defeats in succession, with King’s Birthday a time for reflection.
Blake Watson, the Govan brothers, James Wright and Cooke were listed as the Cats’ best.
SO CLOSE
Romsey looked like beating visitors Melton Centrals late in their match by kicking four last quarter goals, but the visitors hung in and put the last score on the board to achieve a 10.14 (74) to 10.8 (68) victory.
Coach Nathan Blair, Nathan Tessari, Jack Jedwab, Ash Millane, Nathan Rayment and Corey Pertzel were the Redbacks’ best.
Lancefield found the going tough when the chips were down against Melton South.
The visitors produced six last term goals for a 17.12 (114) to 11.10 (76) victory.
Earlier, Lancefield Reserves heartened supporters with a 31-points victory.
During the week, the Tigers revealed plans to establish a Hall of Fame to honour outstanding players/clubmen from past eras.
CAPTAIN KICKS NINE
Gisborne Giants captain Brett Mangan did all he could to keep his side competitive against the Riddell visitors.
He finished with nine goals as the Bombers took control in the second half to win 18.18 (126) to 14.5 (89).
Playing coach Matt Darby can see signs Riddell is improving all over the ground, with the eventual aim to make a strong bid to earn the double chance and defend their 2025 premiership flag.