A confidence-boosting five goals in the second quarter gave Macedon footballers an edge over a Kyneton side that struggled to mount sustained attacks on Saturday.
It was an important fixture for both sides at Kyneton Showgrounds, and Cats’ coach Al Meldrum was entitled to be pleased with his side’s performance in the low-scoring encounter.
Lapses that proved costly for the Cats in earlier matches were largely eliminated, and the side’s ability to ensure the contest became a stalemate in the second half was vital.
Kyneton expended effort but five goals was not enough to excite supporters who are looking to see some match-winning performances from the Tigers.
A dominant goalkicker like last season’s star Cameron Manuel would be very welcome for a side with plenty of young players who can hopefully become more consistent.
It’s a final five this season in the Riddell League, and there’s sufficient evidence to mount a case for Riddell, Diggers Rest, Wallan and Romsey to end up in the finals.
“They (Macedon) have a lot of very good players and we know there’s a fierce rivalry,” Kyneton playing coach Ethan Foreman said in the lead-up to the match.
In the first quarter both sides battled for supremacy, and the outcome was a miserable 0.3 apiece.
Meldrum was pleased to have proven goalkicker Jason Cooke back after missing two matches through injury.
Cooke finished with three goals and is an essential component for the Cats.
Matthew Dick’s quality ball use was on show, and when he plays well the side can be inspired.
At the halfway mark the Cats led 5.5 to 1.8, and the second half became a war of attrition.
Macedon was happy to retain the ball and eat up time, with the final margin 15 points – 8.8 to 5.9.
Ethan Turner, Caleb Fisher, James Gaff and Brady Muir (two goals) were listed as the Tigers’ best.
Not the most inspiring match, but one where both sides will look forward to this Saturday – Macedon goes to Lancefield and Kyneton to unfamiliar Melton Centrals territory.
Earlier in the day, Kyneton Reserves took control in the third term to end up with a 8.5 to 5.4 victory.
In contrast, Macedon Under 19.5s prevailed 8.9 to 6.5.
The real excitement came in the evening session, where the Kyneton versus Macedon women’s match ended up in a tie, finally ending the Kyneton side’s winning run in the Riddell League.
ROMSEY’S 150th CELEBRATIONS
Romsey’s senior side bounced back from losing at Riddell to outclass Lancefield by 73 points on a day when the Redbacks celebrated 150 years of football.
The rivalry between Romsey and Lancefield is legendary, and both clubs had successes at the weekend.
Saturday night’s special function at Romsey ensured the 150 years by the highly successful club was emphatically celebrated.
On the field, the Redbacks simply had too much class for the Lancefield Tigers who have had a bad run with injuries.
The home side led by six goals at half-time, and continued on to a memorable 14.11 (95) to 2.10 (22) victory.
The talented Corey Pertzel, Connor Bills and captain Nathan Blair were best for the Redbacks, and Rhys Barber, Riley O’Meara and Jack Dalgleish did well for the Tigers.
In the Reserves, Nathan Hoy extended his lead in the goalkicking with eight majors as the home side won by 112 points.
Lancefield U19.5s fully extended Romsey, with the Redbacks eventually winning by 13 points.
RIDDELL OMINOUS
For the first time this season, Riddell dominated proceedings throughout by beating Romsey by 50 points in round five, and the pattern continued at Bomberland on Saturday.
Riddell welcomed back the irrepressible Dylan Tarczon from injury against Melton Centrals, and he finished with three goals as well as providing motivation for teammates.
The Bombers won every quarter, and Jacob Chahine – another recruit from Rupertswood – finished with five goals.
Final scores were 14.15 (99) to 5.7 (37).
Riddell coach Aaron Bray is looking forward to the big clash at Diggers Rest this Saturday.
HAWKS WELL BEATEN
Struggling for consistency, Woodend-Hesket went down by 58 points to a confident Wallan combination at Gilbert Gordon Reserve.
The Magpies had too many in-form players, with Reuben Rode showing his ‘best’ for the RDFNL against Southern League was no fluke.
Wallan lifted percentage with the 16.9 to 6.11 victory, and the Hawks now face a tough assignment at home to Romsey.
