By Tara Murray
Riddell will take strong form into the Riddell District Football League finals.
Having had the toughest run home, with their past six matches against other finals sides, the Bombers have gone 5-1.
On Saturday, they knocked off Romsey to deny the Redbacks the minor premiership.
The Bombers scored the only two goals of the last quarter to seal the 11.10 (76)-10.7 (67) win.
Bombers co-coach Jamie Elliott said it was a hard game with the ground making for tough conditions.
“The ground was buggered and it was hard on the legs,” he said. “Romsey looked good at times and we looked good at times.
“We dominated the first 10 minutes of the game and then the first 10 minutes of the third quarter.
“The rest of the time, Romsey played catch-up. At three-quarter time, Romsey led by a couple of points. It was good for the young kids to stand up.”
Ethan Foreman kicked five goals for the Bombers, while Nathan Croft kicked three goals, including the winner.
For the Redbacks, Joel Naylor kicked three goals, with Connor Whelan named their best.
Despite the win, Riddell slipped from third to fourth.
PHOTO GALLERY: Riddell vs Romsey
Second through to fourth finished equal on points, with Romsey and Rupertswood having a better percentage.
Elliott said they knew that they needed to win by a big margin to stay in third.
“It was a dead rubber in the last 10 minutes for us, but the boys still wanted to get the win.”
Having played the top teams in recent weeks, the Bombers were confident they could match it with anyone in the finals.
Elliott said they had played several mini-finals in the hunt for a top three berth.
“We had to keep winning to finish in the top three,” he said. “We’ve played the top sides the last seven weeks, so we’ve had enough finals already.
“We’re ready to go. We hold no fears.”
Elliott said Riley Patterson and Matthew Panuccio were possible chances to return.
The Bombers face Wallan in an elimination final on Sunday.
In the other finals, Diggers Rest and Romsey will play off in the qualifying final on Saturday at Romsey Park.
Diggers Rest sealed the minor premiership with a 31.22 (208)-3.4 (22) win against Lancefield.
Rupertswood sealed third spot with a 58.20 (368)-1.1 (7) win against Rockbank.
The Sharks had 16 goal kickers, led by Billy Cannolo who kicked 11 in a best on ground performance. The Sharks will play Macedon in the other elimination final.
The Cats enter the finals on the back of a win against Woodend-Hesket, 16.10 (106)-8.6 (54).
