By Tara Murray
For a second straight year, Romsey has sealed the sixth spot in Riddell District Football League finals in the last round of the season.
The Redbacks needed to defeat Broadford on Saturday, and hope that Riddell beat Woodend-Hesket, to sneak into the final spot.
That’s exactly what happened with the Redbacks overtaking Woodend-Hesket and moving back into the top six,
The Redbacks’ win against Broadford never looked in doubt, as they ran away with a 17.18 (120)-0.1 (1) victory.
Redbacks’ coach Corey O’Sullivan said it was a hard game, but they were able to play well enough.
“The wind was going across the ground and it was just one of those games where you couldn’t get going,” he said.
“Defensively, we wanted to be strong. We knew Broadford kicked seven goals against Diggers Rest, so we focused on not allowing too many scoring opportunities. I think they kicked only one point.
“It’s something we focused on and we know we have to defend that way come finals.”
Jack Jedwab kicked five goals, while Aaron Paterson kicked three.
O’Sullivan said Jaidyn Caruana and Jack Coburn were the standouts.
While the Redbacks were getting the job done against Broadford, they had one eye on the score between Riddell and Woodend-Hesket.
The Bombers did the job, winning 15.10 (100)-4.9 (33) and ending the Hawks finals hopes.
The Bombers, who haven’t lost since round three, moved into second with the win.
O’Sullivan said they had thought the Bombers would get the job done.
“I think they are the best side in it, so we thought they might get it done,” he said.
“We’re happy to make finals. We figured we would make them, but we’re not necessarily playing as well as last season.”
The Redbacks face Diggers Rest in an elimination final.
O’Sullivan said they know they can match it with Diggers Rest, it’s about playing their best football.
“The last three times it’s been around the same margin,” he said.
“I don’t think we’ve played our best footy at any stage this season.
“Will it come in finals? Who knows.”
In other results, Rupertswood claimed its first RDFL minor premiership, defeating Wallan 15.14 (104)-9.10 (64).
The Magpies slipped to fourth, with Diggers Rest sealing third spot with a 15.11 (101)-3.3 (21) win against Melton Centrals.
Macedon enters finals on the back of a
17.8 (110)-1.4 (10) win against Lancefield, while the Sunbury Kangaroos finish the season with a 24.22 (166)-3.2 (20) win
against Rockbank.
In the other matches in the opening round of finals, Rupertswood plays Riddell in a qualifying final, while Macedon and Wallan play each other in an elimination final.
To read about Rupertswood’s win
against Wallan, go to www.starweekly.com.au/sports.
