By Tara Murray
Rupertswood claimed its first Riddell District Football League minor premiership with a convincing win against Wallan on Saturday.
Having already sewn up a top two-spot heading into the final round, the Sharks had a little less to play for than Magpies, who were playing for a top two-spot.
The Sharks though were keen to beat one of the two teams that have defeated them this year.
Both teams had periods of dominance in the first half, before the Sharks found another level in the second half.
The Sharks kicked eight goals to two in the second half, winning 15.14 (104)-9.10 (64).
Sharks coach Nick Ash said it was good to test themselves in the final round against one of the other top sides.
“When you don’t get to play every side twice, you like to play someone that will challenge you [to finish the season],” he said.
“Wallan obviously beat us up there, eight to nine weeks ago. This is a game you could say we were looking forward to, to see how much we’ve improved and how much they’ve improved. It was a good hit out.”
Ash said it was a funny game in the first half, with the scoring end, being the end the wind wasn’t going.
The Sharks led by four points at the main break, despite the Magpies kicking five goals in seven minutes to take the lead during the second.
From there it was all the Sharks.
“It was a good second half,” Ash said.
“We challenged the boys at half time as they went away from what we wanted to play like.
“W put the pressure on them and the second half was good and we got the response we were after.”
Luke Cannon kicked four goals, while Jake Sutton chipped in with three goals.
Ash said two of the more pleasing performances for his side was Sutton and Alex Misiti.
Misiti, who was a late inclusion into the side, was playing his second senior game, while Sutton who can still play under-17s was in his fifth senior game.
The performances of the younger players and others in the reserves will make selection hard this week.
The Sharks still have players to come back into the side.
Dean Putt returned from injury through the reserves, while Brett Chambers is due back from injury.
Ash said both would play this week. Luke Sultana is also to come back in the side.
The win means the Sharks finish a game clear of Riddell. It’s only the second time in the club’s history their senior side has claimed the minor premiership.
Last time, they went on to win a premiership in the VAFA.
The Sharks now face Riddell in a qualifying final. The Bombers are the only team that has given the Sharks a touch up this year.
Ash said despite his side claiming the minor premiership, Riddell would go into the final series as favourites.
“They are the form side and deserve to be favourites as everyone is saying they are
“They go in red hot favoutries and another challenge for us. “
