Tara Murray
The top of the table clash between Riddell and Diggers Rest was a fizzler with the Bombers handing out a massive defeat in the Riddell District Football League.
It was all the Bombers on Saturday as both their reserves and seniors kept the Burras goalless on the way to two massive wins.
It was tough conditions out at Riddells Creek Recreation Reserve, but the Bombers were able to play some good football on the way to a 14.10 (94)-0.3 (3) win in the seniors.
Bombers coach Arron Bray said it wasn’t a result that they saw coming.
“Especially in those conditions,” he said. “A lot of the grounds in the Macedon Ranges are heavy and ours is no different.
“To keep them goalless in the seniors and reserves that never happens with Diggers.
“We wanted the footy more and we put our head over the ball.”
Bray said in the tough conditions it was about winning the ball at the contest and being able to get it forward.
He said they were able to do that.
“The work rate was up and we were able to come away with the win,” he said. “We were able to adapt to the conditions better.”
Bray said the most pleasing thing for him was the side played four quarters of good football. He said with the game over at half time, they could have dropped their levels.
“It’s taken 12 weeks to play a game like that,” he said. “It was pretty much done at half time and they kept going which is really pleasing.
“It’s quite easy to release the pressure which is pretty much done and dusted and put the cue in the rake.
“Credit to the boys.”
Matthew Darby and Dean Galea kicked three goals each for the Bombers. Darby returned to the Bombers from Avondale Heights mid-season adding more depth to the team which was a welcome boost for Bray.
Bray said Ben Sonogan had a good game while Dylan Tarczon won the head-to-head battle in the middle of the ground with Shaun Campbell.
Tommy Alkemade, Haydn Ross and Galea also had good games, with Bray saying it was hard to name the best players.
Jordan Theodore, Ryan Mullen and Mitch Brockwell were the Burras best.
The Bombers now sit two games clear on top of the ladder, but Bray says they still don’t believe they are the premiership favourites.
“I would hate to play Diggers this week.”
The Bombers face Melton Centrals this Saturday at Melton. A win would all but seal the minor premiership for the Bombers with three rounds remaining.
“It would be a good thing to have three weeks out,” he said.
“We’ve learned how to play together. It has taken us longer than expected.
“Everyone is playing their role.”
In other matches, Romsey beat Lancefield, 9.8 (62)-4.5 (29). Matthew Burkett and Nathan Rayment were the Redbacks best.
Wallan was too good for Macedon, winning 9.11(65)-3.7 (25), while Woodend-Hesket held off Melton Centrals, winning 7.7 (49)-4.8 (32).
