After two tough losses in a week, Rupertswood returned to the winners’ list by beating Riddell in the Riddell District Football League on Saturday.
Trailing at three-quarter time and kicking with the wind in the final term, the Sharks found themselves in a similar position to their one-point loss to Sunbury Kangaroos the previous weekend.
But this time they clinched victory by kicking six goals to none at the crunch, getting home 10.15 (75)-7.8 (50).
Sharks’ coach, Kevin Fitzgerald, said his side had learned from the Sunbury Kangaroos defeat.
“I’m really pleased, and we worked hard all day,” he said.
“We had 10 more scoring shots than them, but bad kicking is bad football. We should have been in front earlier than we were.
“Last week I thought we were starting to run out of legs. This week we were running a bit harder.”
Ruckman Jordan Braddy was best on ground, while Steve Burlak and Todd Podolczak kicked four goals each.
“Burlak was terrific for us when it counted and he was a great target for us all day,” Fitzgerald said.
“He’s played forward before. He’s a hard match-up and I think we need him to play forward at this stage.
“We’ve asked for a lot from Todd and today he started to give it to us.”
It doesn’t get any easier for the Sharks, who meet unbeaten Diggers Rest this weekend.
“We want to play the good sides because it gives us a fair idea of where we’re at,” Fitzgerald said.
“We know we have a long way to go.”
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The loss also leaves Riddell at 2-2 after four rounds and Bombers coach Jamie Elliott said the result against the Sharks was disappointing.
“I thought we were a bit further along,” he said.
“They probably controlled the footy and used it better than us.
“We turned the ball over a lot and they just capitalised on their opportunities.
“Our good players got beaten today. They [the Sharks] came to play and ran us off our legs and were well-deserved winners.”
Elliott said it was disappointing his side was beaten to the ball, especially playing at home.
“We need to learn from our mistakes, look in the mirror and see where we’re at.”
Elliott said one aspect his side had to look at was kicking into the wind, which they had struggled with in both losses.
The club will also wait on the outcome of a report of James Nolan.
Nolan, who has played in the ruck in place of the injured Brayden Allen, has already missed one match this season because of suspension.
