On May 7, Wallan humiliated Riddell by 53 points in round four, but it was a different story on Saturday as the switched-on Bombers scored an emphatic 26-point victory over the Magpies – a massive turnaround of 79 points from their earlier meeting.
If there were any doubts, Riddell proved to be a genuine premiership prospect in season 2022 with just one defeat and eyes on the important top spot.
“You all played a role – now we start getting respect from the rest of the league,” a very pleased Bombers’ coach Justin Belleville told his players after Saturday’s victory in the Riddell League’s match of the round.
Belleville said he did not care a hoot about best players, it was all about being a team of 22 with a job to do.
Riddell’s five-goals-to-two second quarter kicking against the wind was near perfect, setting up the important victory and leaving Wallan and 2021 Coach of the Year David Nolan with something to think about.
The absence of top liner Mick Edwards through injury did not make any difference to a relentless side.
Star Magpie goalkicker Matt Perri was restricted to two goals, and Riddell’s speed, strong tackling and ball movement paid off. The dangerous Tim Walsh produced six goals to again prove his switch from defence has been a master stroke.
Captain Josh Grabham led by example in the ruck, speedsters Callum Williamson and Riley Paterson were on song, and Dylan Tarczon again shone on the ball. Accurate kicking for goal also helped the Bombers who always looked to be in control in the second half.
This Saturday, Riddell visits Romsey to take on the fifth-placed Redbacks, then tackle Diggers Rest in a battle for top spot the following weekend.
Riddell 4.3, 9.4, 13.5, 14.6 (90) d Wallan 2.3, 4.3, 7.7, 9.10 (64).
Goals (R) – T. Walsh 6, R. Paterson 3, C. Williamson, M. Said, N. Bridgland, N. Croft, L. Berry.
Best – Paterson, D. Tarczon, Williamson, Berry, L. Treweek, Walsh.
Goals (W) – C. Grindlay 3, M. Perri 2, B. Schraven, C. Viani, R. Frost, J. Layley.
OTHER MATCHES
Woodend-Hesket found Lancefield much easier opposition than Riddell in the previous round and won by 85 points at Tigerland, Macedon eclipsed Melton Centrals with Jason Cooke shining with seven goals, and Romsey kept Western Rams to a meagre six points as Dean Walsh starred with eight goals.
The Rams celebrated their first win for the season, home by two points in the reserves against the Redbacks
Woodend-Hesket 17.7 (109) d Lancefield 3.6 (24).
Goals (W) – C. Johns 4, J. Arceri, T. Gawthrop 3, J. Hepburn, T. Pears, T. O’Loughlin 2, J. Pound.
Best – D. Bramley, T. Duff-Tytler, M. Miranda, Johns, J. Hicks, J. Rizzardo.
Goals (L) – T. Anderson 2, S. Da Riva.
Best – A. Simpson, R. Schrembi, M. Conlan, J. Slattery, Anderson, J. Russell.
Macedon 13.8 (86) d Melton Centrals 8.4 (52).
Goals (M) – J. Cooke 7, J. Mills, E. Morrisey, J. Wright, T. Delahey, M. Pridgeon, L. Hay.
Best – T. Sims, J. Barrett, Cooke, Pridgeon, Delahey, Hay.
Romsey 18.23131 d Western Rams 0.6 (6).
Goals – D. Walsh 8, N. Hoy 4, S. Memmer, D. Paterson 2, M. Tankler, C. Pertzel.
Best – Walsh, Pertzel, Tinkler, M. Burnett, C. Lever, J. Brennan.
Reserves: Western Rams 6.10 d Romsey 6.8, Wallan 14.7 d Riddell 4.7, Macedon 5.6 d Melton Centrals 2.11, Woodend-Hesket 17.20 d Lancefield 2.3.
Under 18s: Romsey 7.14 d Gisborne Giants 5.9, Macedon 7.7 d Woodend-Hesket 4.3, Wallan 6.10 d Riddell 5.11.
