Tara Murray
Woodend-Hesket continues to tick the boxes as it aims to break its finals drought in the Riddell District Football League.
Having knocked off one of last season’s finalists in the opening five rounds, the Hawks made it a second one, accounting for Romsey on Saturday.
The Redbacks started the better of the two sides before the Hawks settled and took the lead.
The Hawks were able to stay in front for the rest of the day, winning 10.8 (68)-7.9 (51).
Hawks coach Josh Pound said they knew how important getting that win at Romsey Park was in the context of their season.
“It was an important game and to knock off one of the stronger clubs in the competition, I couldn’t be happier with the group.
“The quality of the game given the conditions were quite wet and slippery, both teams did quite well.
“The standard of footy was good and we were happy with that.”
Pound said they thought that they might have been in for a long day after the Redbacks kicked the first couple of goals.
He said it was pleasing to see the side settle and be able to maintain their momentum throughout.
“Every time they looked like getting momentum, we were able to wrestle back the game in our favour.
“Another thing supporters approached me saying potentially might not have been the case in the past.”
Pound and Jack Arceri kicked two goals for the Hawks, while Dan Toman received the best on ground medal.
Pound highlighted a few others that he thought had stood out.
“They have Nathan Hoy, who is one of the premier rucks in the competition,” he said. “Tim Martin rucked 100 per cent of the match and allowed the mids to get first use.
“It makes a huge difference to our team with his leadership role and ruck craft.
‘“Sam Medland in the midfield had a big impact and Alistair Rae had the job on Jack Jedwab and kept him goal less.”
For the Redbacks, it was all single goal kickers. Matthew Burkett was named their best.
The win moves the Hawks to 5-1 with only a loss to Diggers Rest so far.
Pound said they were only scratching the surface of what they can do. He said they were hoping to see that in the second half of the season.
“It was always going to take some time to get the continuity with a relatively new group,” he said.
“I’ve been trying to say to the boys to be patient with the connection. I’ve been selling the message that winning ugly is okay and that is what we have done well.
“Winning ugly you gain the opportunity to build those connections and you’re still getting results.”
The Hawks this week face Macedon, which has won its last two matches.
Pound said for the Hawks it was one of their biggest rivalries and one they always get up for.
On Saturday, the Cats beat Melton Centrals, 11.12 (78)-10.7 (67).
Wallan and Diggers Rest were the other winners.
