Riddell hasn’t hit the panic stations after the sides 10 game winning streak game to an end on Saturday in the Riddell District Football League qualifying final.
The Bombers were pipped at the post by Diggers Rest whose composure in the dying minutes, saw them win 9.12 (66) – 9.8 (62).
The result means the Burras will play Romsey for a spot in the grand final, while the Bombers will play Broadford for the opportunity to play the loser of the Burras and Redbacks in the preliminary final.
Bombers coach Troy Scoble said there wasn’t much between the sides.
“We were certainly in the game until the end,” he said.
“Diggers Rest was good in a piece of play about two minutes to go, where they played in better than us.
“If you relax for five to 10 minutes you will get hurt. In hindsight when we didn’t play well they scored.”
Scoble said he was disappointed to be 22 points down at the first break.
“There was a strong breeze at one end which Diggers Rest was kicking to in the first quarter.
“At the 18 minute mark of first quarter I thought we had done well and then they got an extra goal.
“They were in control for most of the first quarter.”
The Bombers got back into the game in the second quarter, trailing by only three points.
The second half became a hard slog with neither team able to gain control of the game.
“We started to get game together and in the second quarter and had settled a bit,” Scoble said. “We had a few players playing in their first senior final.
“Credit to Diggers Rest they come out in the third quarter and played hard pressure footy. That’s why they have been one of the favourites for the premiership.”
Matthew Panuccio was the best for the Bombers with Shaun Neeson kicking three goals in the loss.
Scoble said they would learn from the loss.
“We have beaten every team in the top six so we know we can win against anyone.
“It was terrific for the young guys who exceeded expectations to have a final under their belts.
“Broadford is a good contested side.
“They have Robbo [Russell Robertson up forward and have Josh Pound and Corey Viani in the middle of the ground.
“They have good talls around the ground. We are confident we will go well.”
