“They’re the benchmark …. They’ve just given us a football lesson,” was how Kyneton Football Netball Club president Guy Nelson summed up Riddell senior footballers doubling Kyneton’s score at the Showgrounds on Saturday.
The fourth round drawcard match between the two unbeaten teams left the Bombers feeling pleased with the way they are travelling, and the Tigers’ playing coach Ethan Foreman declaring “We’ve got a lot of work to do”.
Nelson spoke realistically after Riddell had toppled the Tigers 14.11 (95) to 7.5 (47), with the latter side’s last two majors coming in time-on during the last term.
“We’re still a young side, and Riddell showed they are going to be very hard to beat,” the Kyneton president added.
The Bombers displayed plenty of running power and teamwork, and veteran spearhead Dean Galea kicked five goals in a proactive display.
Riddell coach Arron ‘Skip’ Bray was comfortable with his team’s display, and the season ahead.
He said the Bombers had to work hard initially to match the keyed up Tigers and stayed in control after going to half-time with a lead of 23 points.
Foreman acknowledged Riddell’s depth and flexibility, and has good reason to believe the Tigers can make the finals.
The match at the Showgrounds was a real battle for supremacy in the early stages, then Riddell took control to lead by 23 points at half-time.
Six goals to two by the dominant visitors in the third term snuffed out any hope of the Tigers causing an upset.
The last quarter was even, and Bray and his Bombers could go home happy with the overall performance.
Final scores — Riddell 14.11 (95) d Kyneton 7.5 (47).
Callum Williamson, Dylan Tarczon, Josh Grabham, Galea, Luke Cannon and Bryce Williamson were among the Bombers’ best, while Kyneton was well served by Calan Bowman, Charlie Thompson, Danny Grmusa, Josh Willmott, Harrison Huntley and Caleb Fisher.
Earlier, Kyneton Reserves led by 17 points at half-time, but the Bombers revived and secured a 8.9 to 6.8 victory.
Kyneton Under 19.5s were supreme, winning 15.17 to 5.7 to delight supporters.
Kyneton travel to play Melton Centrals this Saturday in a ‘must win’ fixture, while the confident Bombers are home to Woodend-Hesket, with the Hawks coming off their initial victory where they accounted for Gisborne Giants by 27 points in a high-scoring contest.
REDBACKS SHINE
Finals aspirant Romsey turned in its best performance of the season, defeating visitors Macedon by 40 points to lift confidence for matches ahead.
Redbacks’ coach Nathan Blair was entitled to be well pleased with his side’s first half, when they restricted the visiting Cats to just nine points.
Sam Wilson, Blair, Jack Jedwab (four goals) and Ash Millane were listed as Romsey’s best, while Macedon could not reproduce the form that earned a draw with Diggers Rest in the previous round. Final scores were 10.9 (69) to 4.5 (29).
Nine goals in the second term by Woodend-Hesket guaranteed the Hawks their first win of the season at the expense of Gisborne Giants.
The Giants showed plenty of fighting spirit and ability in the second half, going down 15.11 (101) to 11.9 (74).
At Wallan, Lancefield turned in a highly competitive first half to trail by just 15 points at the long break.
Class eventually took its toll in the final term, with the Magpies running away to win 18.17 (125) to 8.12 (60).
Callum Williamson shakes off a tackle from Cody Young. 
Kamen Ogilvie. 
Isaac Barassi. 
Ethan Turner.
