Tara Murray
The top of the table clash between Diggers Rest and Riddell didn’t disappoint, with the Burras claiming the points in the Riddell District Football League on Saturday.
After playing out a thriller earlier in the season, which the Bombers won by three points, the two sides were eager for match up number two.
While both sides were missing a number of key players, it didn’t diminish from the match.
Like the first time they played, the Bombers got the better start.
The Burras fought back into the game and hit the front in the third quarter.
While the Bombers responded in the last quarter, it wasn’t enough, with the Burras winning, 9.7 (61)-8.7 (55).
Burras coach Jamie Lobb said they were happy to get the win against one of their old rivals.
“It was a bit different for us coming from behind to get the win,” he said.
“We haven’t done that this year. It was a similar game to last time. They got the jump early, and we were able to build it.
“They challenged us.”
Lobb said the Bombers are generally good starters and they needed to stay close enough in the first half.
From there they backed in their ability to get the job done.
“We were confident that we could run over the top of them,” he said. “And it played out that way.”
Lachlan Donaldson kicked four goals, while Mitchell Jensen chipped in with three goals.
Lobb said Austin Cicero on the wing was clearly their best, while Mitch Brockwell did the job on Tim Walsh.
“Tim got only one goal which was from a down the field free kick,” he said.
“Mitch Jensen, Donaldson and [Marcus] Calvaresi all played good games as well.”
For the Bombers, Liam Berry kicked four goals, while Ben Sonogan was named their best.
One down side for the Burras was shoulder injury to Mitchell Day. Lobb said they were unsure how bad it was.
The win put the Burras a game clear on top of the ladder. The Bombers remain in second, with Wallan just a further two points behind.
While happy with where they are, Lobb knows they can’t take anyone lightly. They face Woodend-Hesket and Romsey the next two weeks.
“We need to prepare well,” he said. “They will be two good games of footy.
“We need to make sure we keep winning games of footy.”
Lobb said Chris Lawton, Sean Egan and Jaidyn Caruana would all return in the coming weeks, in a boost for the side.
In other matches, Macedon put a dint in Woodend-Hesket’s finals hopes.
The Cats took control of the game early and were able to hold a steady lead throughout the 12.11 (83)-8.11 (59) win.
Jason Cooke kicked four goals in the win, while David Morrice was named the best.
For the Hawks, Dean Bramley was named their best.
Melton Centrals got its third win of the season, beating Lancefield, 16.13 (109)-5.6 (36).
Tomas Unferdorben kicked six goals for the Centrals in the win. Wallan beat the Western Rams, 32.25 (217)-1.2 (8).
Romsey had the bye.
