Tara Murray
Riddell continues to find a way to win in the Riddell District Football League, this time holding off Diggers Rest.
The Bombers have played in several thrillers to start the season against a number of the other top teams.
On Saturday, they faced an undefeated Diggers Rest, a side who they’ve had many a great battle in recent times
The Bombers got the win, 9.17 (71)- 9.14 (68) at Bloomdale Oval.
Bombers coach Justin Belleville said they just stuck at it all day as the two sides again had a good game against each other.
“It was a tough game with a huge wind making it tough skill wise,” he said.
“We battled through it. We were pretty much in front for the whole game and we were able to hang on in the end.
“We got a good lead in the second quarter, before missing a lot of chances in the third quarter. We knew they would keep coming at us as they’re a good side. We were able to hang on.”
Ben Sonogan kicked two goals for the Bombers. Belleville said Dylan Tarczon in his return from suspension, Sonogan and Tim Walsh were all key contributors in the win. Several young players also stood up.
For the Burras, Cole Laurie kicked three goals with Marcus Calvaresi named their best.
It’s the Bombers’ fourth win of the season with each being a thriller. Seven points has been the biggest margin in the wins.
The Bombers sit in third spot, two points behind Wallan and percentage behind Diggers Rest.
“We’ve played Macedon at Macedon, Wallan at Wallan and Diggers Rest at Diggers Rest,” Belleville said.
“Three big teams and we’ve played them all away. We will play them all on our home deck later in the year, which will help us.
“It builds confidence that we know we can get it done in the close ones. In footy it can go either way.”
The good start to the season has come despite dealing with the nature of a COVID-19 environment.
Belleville said they had been thrown a number of challenges already this season.
“With COVID and injuries each week we don’t know where we are at,” he said. “On Friday night at 8pm we were still picking the team.
“We’ve played a lot of kids. We’ve had seven first gamers in the first five weeks.
“We didn’t think we would be playing them this early. It has been good to get some games into the kids and have a look at them.”
The Bombers this week face Lancefield at home.
Belleville said it would be good to be back on their home deck.
In other matches, Macedon snuck home in a thriller against Melton Centrals.
Woodend-Hesket was way too strong for the Western Rams, winning 16.18 (114)-2.3 (15).
Alastair Rae kicked five goals, while Caleb Dumper kicked four.
Wallan also had a big win, beating Lancefield, 21.15 (141)-7.6 (48).
Sean Morris and Matt Perri kicked three goals each for the Magpies.
Lachlan Mitchell was the best for the Tigers.
Romsey had the bye.
