Wet winter conditions created some new challenges for football teams in the Riddell League’s 11th round on Saturday.
Ladder-leader Riddell was the scene stealer, absolutely stunning a Kyneton side buoyed by a courageous win over Romsey seven days earlier.
Riddell won by 74 points, with Kyneton’s lone goal from nine scoring shots coming in the last quarter at the Showgrounds.
The Bombers had never played there before, and coach Aaron Bray described the Tigers as a premiership contender before the match.
It’s hard to disagree with the pre-match comment by Ethan Foreman, Kyneton’s playing coach, that “Riddell, in my eyes, are the team to beat”.
The Bombers certainly came to play and had strengths all over the ground, which the below-full-strength Tigers found difficult to combat.
Polished veteran Dean Galea was one of many newcomers to join Riddell preseason, and he kicked his second six-goal haul for the season to head the goalkicking table.
Proven performers in Ben Sonoghan, Dylan Tarczon and Callum Williamson were to the forefront in a side that had no apparent weaknesses, looking to peak leading into the finals.
Haydn Smith, a big ruckman from Tasmania, played his second game with the Tigers and again showed he would be a big bonus if he could become a permanent fixture.
James Gatt, Caleb Fisher and Angus Strawhorn were among the Tigers’ best, and Evan Davie kicked the side’s sole goal in the last quarter, saving a statistical embarrassment.
This Saturday, Kyneton play at Macedon, with both sides still in the hunt for a finals spot. Can the Tigers bounce back after the 13.10 to 1.8 defeat?
REDBACKS FADE
Romsey wants to establish a home ground fortress, but lost again as the Wallan visitors proved too strong in the last quarter to slip to fourth spot.
It was a real arm wrestle for most of the match, with the Magpies happy with the 6.14 to 3.8 result.
The Redbacks can expect some respite when they go to Melton Centrals this Saturday.
Romsey Reserves spearhead Nathan Hoy kicked his 50th goal for the season.
MACEDON BRAVE
Fifth-placed Macedon gave reigning premier Diggers Rest a fright, and led by a goal before the home side rallied to win 11.7 to 9.9 to move to second spot.
The Cats showed they are certainly ready to take on Kyneton on Saturday.
Bottom side Lancefield went oh so close to breaking a frustrating losing streak.
Woodend-Hesket kicked the only last quarter goal to win 4.8 to 4.5.
