Riddell Bombers rise to the challenge

Troy Scoble will decide his coaching future at the end of the season. Picture: Shawn Smits

Throw Riddell a challenge and the Bombers will rise to the occasion in the Riddell District Football League.

The Bombers are now equal top of the ladder, only percentage behind Rupertswood and Romsey, having knocked off four fellow potential finalists in the last four weeks.

After beating Macedon, Sunbury Kangaroos and Diggers Rest, the Bombers had the biggest challenge of all on Saturday, playing Romsey.

The difference between the two sides ended up being a seven to one goal second quarter which saw the Bombers lead by 46 points at half time.

They managed to maintain the lead in the second half, winning 14.12 (96) – 8.6 (54).

Bombers coach Troy Scoble didn’t see the game changing second quarter coming.

“I thought Romsey were on top in the first quarter.

“In the second quarter general play was even, but we were more efficient inside 50.

“That is an area we have worked hard on. We were wasteful and had inaccurate kicking for goal early in the season.

“Teams like Romsey will make you pay if you are wasteful.”

Despite a comfortable lead, Scoble didn’t feel safe until the dying minutes of the game.

“I didn’t feel safe until the last two-and-a-half minutes of the game.

“While we were up on the scoreboard, general play was even and we knew if they started to convert the score would be a lot closer.

“I have a lot of respect for Romsey and they are well coached. They have taken us to task a few times.”

Scoble said it was a real team effort to get the win and he let his assistant coaches pick the best players as he couldn’t decide.

Paul Sahlberg, Hayden Ross and Brayden Allen were named among the best.

The Bombers have now won their last six matches. They face Melton Centrals and Broadford in the next two weeks before the bye.

“All we have been focused on is that we have a difficult draw and did not have a choice to beat teams in the six.

“We’ve been focusing on us and not getting caught out talking about which teams have what draw.

“It’ll come down to the last couple of games to where teams will finish.”

He said the side would have a solid week on the track to ensure they didn’t take it easy against Centrals who are 12th on the ladder.

Scoble who is out of contract at season’s end said he would decide his future after the season.

“I haven’t even thought about it,” he said.

“I’ve never made a decision in the past until after the last game.

“Once we play the last game I’ll speak with the club and we will go from there.”