Diggers Rest scores come-from-behind win over Riddell in RDFL

DIGGERS Rest secured a come-from-behind win in the opening round of the Riddell District Football League on Saturday after producing a “fantastic” final term.

RDFL footy: Diggers Rest V Riddell

DIGGERS Rest secured a come-from-behind win in the opening round of the Riddell District Football League on Saturday after producing a “fantastic” final term.

After a scrappy opening three quarters against Riddell, the Burras finally found their A-Game in the dying stages, overcoming a 15-point deficit at three-quarter time to record an 11.13 (79) to 7.6 (48) triumph.

Having kicked just four goals to the final change, the home side piled on seven majors in the final stanza at Bloomdale Oval, while holding the Bombers goalless.

Recruit Taylor Hine — a former Gold Coast and North Melbourne midfielder — was prolific off half back in the final quarter and had a hand in several of the Burras’ goals.

Forward Michael Kilty provided the real spark, booting three goals for the term to lift his side to victory.

“It was pretty scrappy in the first half,” Diggers Rest coach Shaun Sims said.

“They broke away a bit in the third quarter but we were just lucky we finished off really well. But our last quarter was fantastic and how we want to play footy.

“We prepared for a team that finished top of the ladder last year while bringing in some real quality players and maintaining most of their list. So to get away with the win was good.”

Riddell’s Tim Walsh takes a mark in front of Diggers Rest’s Mark Freeth on Saturday. Picture: Richard Serong

Hine was not the only recruit to impress for Diggers Rest, with fellow marquee signing and former Melbourne and West Coast midfielder Cale Morton also making a strong debut.

“He played a really good game,” Sims said.

“He probably didn’t use the ball quite to his standard but he was a really solid contributor.”

Brandon Kilty was named the Burras’ best for his lockdown role on gun Riddell midfielder Paul Sahlberg, while the versatile Matthew Krul also drew the coach’s praise for his efforts.

Timothy Walsh and Michael Treweek were the best of the Bombers.

In other results, Rupertswood downed Wallan by 41 points, Sunbury Kangaroos beat Romsey by 38 points and Matthew Knox booted 10 goals as Macedon hammered Broadford by 66 points.