Home ground advantage did nothing to help Riddell and Kyneton as both suffered sizeable football defeats in RDFNL round 16 matches on Saturday.
The Bombers expected to bounce back hard after an upset loss to Gisborne Giants a week earlier, but a promising start gradually fizzled out as ladder leader Diggers Rest surged ahead to win by 65 points.
And the Burras were without ace goalkicker Callum Moore, who has 75 goals to his credit!
Kyneton Showgrounds has long been looked on as a problem for visiting sides, but fifth-placed Melton Centrals led throughout to secure a confidence-lifting 15.6 (96) to 8.10 (58) victory.
Ethan Foreman’s Tigers now face testing encounters against second-placed Wallan this Saturday, and a rejuvenated Woodend-Hesket in the final home and away round before going into an elimination final.
Riddell coach Matt Darby was injured against the Giants and did not play against Diggers Rest, who showed plenty of depth without the presence of Moore.
Mitch Day kicked six goals for the Burras who took control in the third term, then poured on another seven majors to win 19.18 (132) to 10.7 (67). Good form approaching the finals.
Consistent ball winner Nathan Hrovat again stood out for Riddell, who go to Romsey this Saturday expecting to claim the points and rebuild some confidence ahead of the finals.
Kyneton was found wanting after Melton South kicked five goals straight in the first term and went to half-time with a lead of eight points.
It was anyone’s match, but on resumption the visitors seized the initiative to kick six goals straight in the last term (Kyneton kicked four) to win 15.6 (96) to 8.10 (58).
Kyneton’s best were listed as Jack Livingston, Bailey Ryan, Indy Williamson, Harley Blake and Ethan Turner.
MACEDON EASILY
Rejuvenated after having the bye, Macedon travelled to play a struggling Melton Centrals and chalked up a 21.12 (138) to 6.8 (44) victory to consolidate third position.
The Cats had Blake Watson continuing his good ball winning form, and evergreen Jason Cooke showed his undoubted class with six goals.
Macedon is at home to Melton South this Saturday, chasing victories in all three grades.
Wallan had a massive 38.25 (253) to 5.0 (30) victory at Greenhill Reserve against Lancefield.
The Magpies scored heavily in each quarter and Lachlan Smart showed he is a top recruit with 12 goals.
Young home-grown products Ryan Schembri and Ben Sankey were listed as the Tigers’ best.
Woodend-Hesket appears to have a new lease of life late in the season and demolished Romsey by 66 points — 18.27 (135) to 10.9 (69).
Proven performers Tom Gawthrop (five goals) and Dan Toman were hard to contain, and the Hawks were happy to restrict Redbacks’ skipper Jack Jedwab to three goals in light of his huge hauls recently.
Nathan Hoy, Jedwab and Matt Burkett were among the Redbacks’ best.
The Hawks had a rare clean sweep, chalking up wins in all three football matches.
# Don’t forget the women’s football knockout semi-final at Lancefield this Saturday between Lancefield and Riddell. It takes place after the senior match between Lancefield and Melton Centrals, with the winner to play Macedon in the grand final.