The second round of Riddell League football on Saturday provided plenty of interest, with Woodend-Hesket bouncing back from a lacklustre first-up performance against Kyneton to fully extend the highly rated Wallan combination.
Reigning premiers Riddell were over-run by a rampant Diggers Rest in the second half, Macedon Cats purred along to defeat Lancefield by 94 points, and Gisborne Giants delighted their supporters by overpowering first round winner Romsey by 66 points.
At Gilbert Gordon Reserve the Hawks came to play and matched the Magpies in the first half with some impressive football.
Once again, irrepressible captain Daniel Toman was in everything for the home side, and Hawks’ spectators had plenty to cheer about up to half-time.
Tom Gawthrop is back with his old side and kicked three goals, but the Magpies came out in the second half with plenty to prove, and their quality big men in Chris Stewart and Jake Carlisle were prominent.
The Hawks never gave up and kicked 14 goals; the opposition kicked 18 and the final margin was 22 points.
SHOCK FOR BOMBERS
Riddell, with new coach Matt Darby at the helm, knew Diggers Rest would provide tough opposition, but no-one could predict what took place in the second half.
The Bombers led by seven points at half-time after some dominating team football in the second term.
Then a revved-up Diggers Rest showed the form the rest of the premiership contenders will worry about, slamming on eight goals in the third term, then continuing the scoring rampage with another seven before the final siren.
The 22.11 (143) to 15.9 (99) defeat was an unexpected setback for the Bombers, who now go to Macedon to play for the Puka Cup on Anzac Day — the match of the third round.
Perhaps having the bye and opening the season in effect on Saturday did not help the reigning premiers.
Macedon is approaching full strength, and after Lancefield began reasonably well, the Cats settled down to lead by 29 points by half-time.
The match became a second half rout for the Tigers, and they were restricted to three scoring shots — all goals — in the second half.
Midfielder Josh Govan dominated for the Cats, Blake Watson starred again, and Brodie Hoyne showed he is set for another top season.
The Cats ended up in a happy frame of mind with a percentage-boosting victory.
Vastly experienced recruit Leigh Brennan kicked six goals, to add to his five on debut, and Brad Cooke finished with five in a runaway 20.19 (139) to 7.3 (45) margin.
Skipper Riley O’Meara, Walter King and vice-captain Tom Sayers (four goals) were in good form for the Tigers, who now face up to a confident Kyneton.
Gisborne Giants impressed in their first home match of the season, kicking six goals straight in the first term to put Romsey on the back foot.
Giants’ coach Andrew Hall was very pleased with his side’s overall performance, with the senior leaders and the young, emerging footballers all playing an important role.
The final score was 17.15 (117) to 7.9 (51), with Redbacks’ skipper Jack Jedwab kicking five of his side’s goals for the second match in a row.
Earlier in the day, the Giants won the Reserves match by 106 points, and their U19.5s ran away to a 102-point victory.
In the remaining senior match, Melton South led throughout to defeat Melton Centrals by 13 points.
THIS SATURDAY
This Saturday (Anzac Day) there are four matches, with spectators reminded there are different start times at different venues.
“A day to reflect on the actions of many as we show courage, sacrifice and comradeship of a different kind on the field and netball courts,” the league wrote.
The Macedon versus Riddell senior match is scheduled for 2.15pm, Woodend-Hesket v Gisborne Giants at 4.15pm, and the ‘Battle of the Tigers’ Lancefield v Kyneton game at 6.15pm.
Romsey, Melton Centrals and Diggers Rest have a bye.