Kyneton’s defenders restricted neighbouring rivals Woodend-Hesket to just 10 scoring shots at the Showgrounds on Saturday. This paved the way for the Tigers’ seventh win of the season.
Now Kyneton face a round 13 trip to Bomberland this weekend, with in-form opponent Riddell coming off a runaway 83-point victory over sixth-placed Macedon.
The Bombers will be out to continue their dominance against other finals contenders, and it’s hard to see Ethan Foreman’s Tigers turning the tables on Riddell irrespective of which players take the field.
The Kyneton versus Woodend-Hesket match developed into a stalemate, with just six goals scored in the first half.
Speedster Harry Ryan won plenty of ball for the Tigers, and the Hawks had their time-proven duo of Daniel Toman and Marcus Stapleton in top form.
On several occasions Kyneton looked poised to run away with the match, but it did not happen, such was the dedication of their opposition who have worried several sides without getting the points this season.
At the last change it was a goal the difference; the Hawks missed a short range shot to level the scores and both sides managed two majors as Kyneton strengthened its finals hopes.
Final scores were 7.12 (56) to 7.3 (45), with Calan Bowman, Jack Willmott and Ryan listed as the Tigers’ best.
EARLY SCORING SPREES
Riddell and Romsey ran riot in the first half of Saturday’s respective matches against Macedon and Gisborne Giants.
The Bombers shocked the Cats by dominating much of the play, opening up a 12.5 to 4.1 half-time advantage. Effectively game over, with the final score 18.9 to 5.4.
The confidence level at Riddell is high, and there are plenty of adaptable players keen to cement their place in the side leading up to finals time.
Riddell is half a win behind unbeaten ladder-leader Diggers Rest, with both having credentials to think a premiership is a real possibility in 2025.
Having slipped to seventh spot on the ladder, Romsey was in urgent need of a revival, and it came in the form of a 13.4 to 6.4 half-time advantage.
The Redbacks eventually achieved a confidence-boosting 21.10 (136) to 12.14 (86) victory, as the Giants finished with a five-goal last quarter.
Ash Millane was best afield, finishing with six goals for Romsey. Brad Mangan kicked six for the Giants.
Lancefield worked hard to try and secure its first win of the season, with scores tied against struggling Melton Centrals at the last change.
A nine-goal haul to star forward Hisham Kerbatieh enabled Centrals to win by four goals.
The Tiger Reserves earlier broke through for their first victory.
Diggers Rest was keyed up for the match against improver Melton South and led by 38 points by half-time. The final margin was five goals.
The battle between Diggers Rest and Riddell for top spot as the finals approach promises to be intriguing.
