By Tara Murray
Riddell’s winning streak has continued, taking it all the way to the Riddell District Football League grand final.
The in-form Bombers haven’t lost since round three.
On Saturday, they faced Diggers Rest, the last team to beat them, in a semi-final.
In tough conditions, the Bombers went to another level in the second half to grind out a 10.8 (68)-7.4 (46) win.
Bombers coach Jamie Elliott said it was a good win.
“There was a bit of rain, mist and wind – it was tough,” he said. “It was a tough grind for the boys.”
The Bombers led at half-time, before being able to carve out a bit more time and space in the third quarter.
They converted on the scoreboard, kicking five goals for the quarter.
The Burras got to within 15 points in the last quarter, before the Bombers steadied with a goal.
“We opened it up in the third quarter,” Elliott said.
“We played some good footy … we were able to get some space and it suited our runners.”
Peter Robertson, Dylan Tarczon and Nathan Croft kicked two goals each for the Bombers.
Elliott said Thomas Belleville was their best, while several others delivered moments of good football.
Several of the Bombers’ younger players were named in their best.
Taylor Hine was the standout for the Burras.
Diggers Rest coach Jamie Lobb said his side didn’t have enough runners and left its run too late.
The grand final will be the Bombers’ second in three years.
They will face either the Burras or Macedon, who will play in a preliminary final this weekend.
Elliott said it was a good feeling knowing they were through to another grand final.
It was a slightly different feeling this time around. The side won through to the 2016 decider through the preliminary and did not have a week off.
“We’ve got a couple of sore bodies, so the week off will help,” he said.
“We won’t be doing anything different from what we’ve been doing.”
Elliott said a couple of players could come back in for the grand final.
In the other semi-final, Macedon thrashed Rupertswood 18.12 (120)-8.9-57.
To find out more about the Rupertswood and Macedon game, and what Diggers Rest thought about its loss, go to starweekly.com.au/sports
