Woodend-Hesket threw off the shackles imposed by Riddell and kicked eight goals in a devastating last quarter turnaround at Gilbert Gordon Oval on Saturday.
But the bird had well and truly flown in the first half, and the Bombers prevailed by 19 points and will spend this week preparing for the blockbuster clash against reigning premier Macedon – both these teams have premiership aspirations, as does ladder leader Rupertswood, Wallan, and Diggers Rest.
“We can certainly take positives out of this,” Hawks chairman of selectors Denis Barker said as home side supporters applauded the players as they left the ground.
Riddell coach Jamie Elliott was philosophical, and said some Bombers were “pretty sore” and having no interchange players to send on and off late in the match certainly did not help.
“We just have to keep winning,” Elliott said.
Michael Sahlberg who was in top form left the field with a worrying knee injury during the match.
Riddell has won eight in a row after losing the first three matches of the season, and the Bombers were awesome in overwhelming Rupertswood by 63 points on June 23. Macedon won their first round clash at Riddell by a point, and a big crowd is expected at Macedon on Saturday for the return bout.
Macedon coach Ben Tankard certainly recognised the importance of his side’s courageous two-point win in a low scoring arm wrestle at Wallan. It makes the Cats’ task of securing the all-important double chance much easier.
There was a mixture of winter rain, wind and sunshine at various Riddell League eleventh round match venues on Saturday, and the excellent ground surface at Gilbert Gordon Oval was a far cry from what the old timers at the reunion of the 1978 Hawks premiership side had to endure.
The Bombers had a near watertight defence and ability to use the ball to advantage in the first, with the Hawks’ forwards battling to make an impression.
At half time the margin was 41 points, and the two sides played out an evenly contested third quarter with the Hawks having scored just 4.3 in three quarters. Then the game came to life as a last quarter scoring avalanche unfolded, with the home side playing on at every opportunity, contesting fiercely and stretching the Bombers around the ground.
Daniel Toman was back to his best as the Hawks kicked goals from all angles, but the Bombers capitalised on a couple of errors to score against the run of play.
Caleb Dumper, after good form in the Under 19s, made an encouraging debut for the Hawks.
Riddell skipper Haydn continued his good form with four goals, and is just one behind Dylan Weir (Melton Centrals) on the goalkicking level.
The Hawks face a tough test at Melton Centrals on Saturday, and must win to keep alive a slim chance of playing in the finals.
Other matches
Romsey bounced back from a disappointing loss against Wallan by kicking 27 goals at Broadford, and anticipate another percentage booster against Rockbank.
The mercurial Jack O’Sullivan kicked seven, and his recent ball winning form has been exceptional.
Lancefield won its second match for the season by overhauling Rockbank in the last term of a low scoring encounter. The Tigers had dual reasons to celebrate, with a runaway win in the Reserves, who kicked 20 goals.
An overall confidence booster for the Tigers with five home and away games remaining.
Diggers Rest restricted Sunbury Kangaroos to one major, and Rupertswood had 25 points to spare against Melton Centrals in another low scoring affair.
