The tenth round of Riddell League football on Saturday had more than its share of wet and cut-up grounds, mud and conditions that brought out the best in many players, and proved others would much prefer a dry day.
In the match of the round at Riddell, the Bombers asserted their superiority by restricting Kyneton seniors to 4.14 for the entire match, a far cry from the 20 goals the Tigers kicked against Gisborne Giants seven days earlier.
Riddell coach Matt Darby had every reason to be pleased with his side’s collective effort, having two scoring shots less than Kyneton to kick 10.6 (66) and take almost total control in the second half.
The Bombers went into the match without their leading goal scorer Zac Saad, but it made no difference.
The final outcome was that Kyneton tumbled from fourth to sixth on the ladder, being bypassed by Macedon and Melton South.
Riddell supporters are beginning to believe a third successive premiership is a real possibility, and this Saturday they will be taking notice of the result of the clash between powerhouses Wallan and Diggers Rest.
Ultra-consistent Bryce Williamson and Matt Panuccio revelled in the conditions while the Tigers’ best were listed as Ethan Raynor, Isaac Barassi and Angus Nolte.
There was a good battle between opposing ruckmen Josh Grabham and Haydn Smith.
At half-time it was eight points the difference, but Riddell clearly took the honours in the second half.
Macedon moved into fourth place on the ladder after having the bye, defeating Woodend-Hesket 12.18 (90) to 8.5 (63).
Blake Watson continued his great form for the Cats, who led by 16 points at half time, then gradually surged clear.
Diggers Rest simply had too much talent when they visited Romsey and finished up with a 22.16 (145) to 10.7 (67) margin.
Leading goalkicker Callum Moore kicked seven goals, as did Wallan’s Liam Smart against Lancefield.
The Magpies kicked nine goals in the first term to stun the Tigers and continued on to finish up with a confidence boosting 23.13 (151) to 10.7 (67) scoreline.
Finals prospect Melton South and Gisborne Giants staged an even contest in the first half, but the home side asserted itself to chalk up a 17.9 (111) to 8.9 (57) victory.
Across the league, some supporters have been nonplussed by the failure of certain clubs to supply regular club notes for the weekly online Football Record.
