Lancefield, celebrating its 150th year, caused the boilover of the season on Saturday by toppling Riddell by a solitary point.
The Bombers, last season’s premiers, were on an eight-game winning streak and needed to win to secure the double chance.
Instead, the tenacious Tigers produced their best sustained football of the season for their fourth win and elated coach Tim Bannan pledged his side would try and repeat the dose against arch rival Romsey this Saturday.
“It’s incredible”, Bannan told his players after the game as supporters crammed into the changerooms to celebrate a momentous victory.
He said belief was all-important, and a side with plenty of teenagers took the game right up to the Bombers by kicking the first three goals of the match.
In the second term Riddell regained some poise, and led by four points at half-time.
There was a strong expectation the reigning premiers would put the foot down and get on top. It didn’t happen as the Tigers matched them goal for goal with a point the difference at the last change.
Lancefield edged ahead, then Riddell hit the front as tension rose on and off the ground.
A couple of decision blunders proved costly as Riddell tried to wrap up the game; the Tigers fought back and scores were tied as the clock tipped down. A point put the Tigers ahead, and under intense pressure in the last minute they hung on for a memorable 11.10 (76) to 11.9 (75) victory.
Michael Conlan, Cameron Osmond, Zack Webb and former Riddell U19.5 leading goalkicker Jack Radford all managed two goals.
In a real team effort, best players listed were Lukas Fellows, Conlan, Osmond, Radford, and Lachlan Giles.
Lancefield had not beaten Riddelll previously since 2010, and 250-gamer and former captain Matt Bowden had never previously played in a winning side against the Bombers.
For the Bombers, the irrepressible Dylan Tarczon (four goals) was best with Tommy Alkemade, Trent Stead, Hadyn Ross, Jesse Horton and Bryce Williamson also listed.
Riddell coach Justin Belleville would have been disappointed with his side’s inability to shake off the Tigers at such a crucial stage of the season, with a match against Wallan at Bomberland this Saturday.
HAWKS SAD, THEN HAPPY
Second-placed Woodend-Hesket went down by two points at Wallan after holding a handy half-time lead, but the Hawks’ spirits soared when they learn Lancefield had won.
Tom Gawthrop kicked three goals with the Hawks, needing to defeat Macedon at Gilbert Gordon Oval to retain the double chance.
Romsey slid to sixth spot as a fired up Diggers Rest wrapped up the game in the first half. The ladder leaders won by 22 points.
Redbacks’ star forward Jack Jedwab kicked four to virtually wrap up the league goalkicking award for the first time.
Macedon gained some confidence and moved to fifth spot, ahead of Romsey, by thrashing Western Rams by 138 points.
Coach Al Meldum will have the Cats tuned up for a big effort against Woodend-Hesket. It’s win – and we play finals (with Romsey missing out).
