Romsey is hoping Saturday’s win against Macedon will kick start its Riddell District Football League season.
The Redbacks entered the vital clash with the Cats at 1-2 after losses to perennial finalists, Diggers Rest and Wallan.
It was defence that set the tone for the Redbacks on Saturday against the Cats in the 10.9 (69)-4.5 (29) win.
Redbacks coach Nathan Blair said the match was a crucial one for them.
“It’s a lot better being 2-2 than 1-3,” he said. “It was pleasing the way that we played.
“It was an arm wrestle the first 10 to 15 minutes and towards the back half of the first quarter, we got reward for all the hard work we did and hit the scoreboard.
“We kicked 4.1 and set the tone. Had we kicked 1.4 it would have been anyone’s game.
“It was great to set it up and continue on from there and hold on.”
Blair said defensively to keep the Cats to just four goals for the game was massive and it was a key factor in the win.
He said it wasn’t just the back six that got the job done, but it was the defensively pressure all across the ground.
Skipper Jack Jedwab kicked four goals for the Redbacks and was named among the best for along with Samuel Wilson and Blair.
For Macedon, Xavier Thorburn, Riley Nolan and Hamish Govan were named among their best.
The win moves the Redbacks to sixth on the ladder, one of three teams with two wins.
Blair said they had played some good football at times in the first four rounds but other times had been caught out.
He said they were poor against Diggers Rest before being in a good position against Wallan the following week before being overrun.
“We took plenty of learning outs from those games and there’s still plenty of learnings to come.”
Blair said they were hoping it was the start for them.
“There’s no easy games in this competition, which is great for the competition,” he said.
“Hopefully we can get a bit of a run on and get a few wins under our belt and set ourselves up for the second half of the season, with a good first half.”
It’ll be a new challenge for the Redbacks this week when they face Melton South.
The Panthers, who had the bye this week, sit 2-1.
Blair said they know it will be a tough challenge and they would be up for it.
In other results, Riddell won the top of the table clash with Kyneton.
After an even first quarter, the Bombers won 14.11 (95)-7.5 (47).
Woodend-Hesket was too strong for the Gisborne Giants, winning 15.10 (101)-11.8 (74).
Diggers Rest remains undefeated after beating Melton Centrals, 19.19 (133)-8.6 (54), while Wallan beat Lancefield, 18.17 (125)-8.12 (60).
