Kyneton senior footballers turned in a strong performance on Saturday, pressing reigning premiers Diggers Rest all the way at the Showgrounds.
The large crowd was enthralled by the close contest, with the Tigers leading at every change, to be overhauled by a five-goal last quarter surge by the visitors.
Coming off a strong win against Melton Centrals, Kyneton showed enough to think they may be able to earn a finals berth.
While Riddell, Diggers Rest, Romsey and Wallan appear to be ‘certs’ for finals action, the final five format means the Tigers have a great chance of filling this spot if Saturday’s form is any guide.
Key defender Harrison Huntley was not able to be selected, while Diggers Rest made five changes to the side that toppled previously unbeaten Riddell in a tough encounter the previous Saturday.
“We are looking forward to matching up with the league’s best and see how we go,” Kyneton coach Ethan Foreman stated in the lead-up to the clash with Diggers Rest.
Foreman and his co-selectors would have found plenty to be pleased about, and Diggers Rest was relieved to escape with the four points in a match that hung in the balance for a long time.
Young Tiger dynamo Caleb Fisher is in rare form, being Player of the Round the previous weekend.
He again headed the Tigers’ ‘best’ list, followed by Ryan Pretty (three goals), Josh Wilmott, Jack Pilbeam, Dom Bennington and Josh Smith.
Diggers Rest is a renowned big occasion team, with plenty of depth and versatility, and experienced coach Jamie Lobb stated his side “didn’t want to leave anything in the tank” leading to the bye this weekend.
Kyneton now faces a formidable test in the next round at Wallan on June 15.
In the Reserves, Diggers Rest won 5.9 to 1.7, and the U19.5s saw a 9.14 to 7.5 outcome in favour of the visitors.
In the lone tribunal case last week, Diggers Rest veteran Jeff Heritage received a one-match holiday for “engaging in a melee” against Riddell.
New Kyneton recruit Josh Smith in action. 
Caleb Fisher is in hot form at the moment. 
Kyneton young gun, Angus Nolte.
ROMSEY ALL THE WAY
Playing at home, Romsey consolidated third spot by accounting for Macedon by 20 points after opening up a handy lead in the first quarter.
This was rated a 50/50 match by Macedon coach Al Meldrum, and the sluggish start did not help his side, which worked hard but found the Redbacks too strong.
Romsey coach Justin Sherman says his side has found the ability to win tight matches it would have lost last season, and players have learnt they have leadership roles to play from a team perspective.
Captain Nathan Blair, Chris Petroro, Corey Pertzel and ruckman Justin Waldron were prominent, while the Cats were well served by Zac Smedley, Jonathon Bissell, Nathan Bridgland and Brodie Hoyne.
The final scoreline was 10.13 (73) to 8.5 (53).
Romsey Reserves had another big win, and Macedon U19.5s consolidated second spot on the ladder with a margin of 76 points.
Wins have been scarce for 2023 runners-up Woodend-Hesket, but the Hawks managed to topple Melton Centrals by 27 points for their second victory of the season.
Kyle Baker continued his good recent form, while Trent Laverie’s return and Joachim Iiaw’s four goals were positive for the Hawks who will be looking to take some scalps in the second half of the season.
After showing plenty of resistance in the first half against Wallan, Lancefield could not sustain the pressure with the Magpies eventually winning by 59 points.
