EFL 2022: Ringwood responds from Templestowe reality check with 75-point win

From a disappointing loss to what the coach describes as one of his side’s best performances all year, here’s how Ringwood turned their fortunes around against a top-four rival.

It was one of his side’s best performances “in a long time”, Ringwood senior coach Brett Rowe says of his group’s 75-point mauling of top-four outfit Boronia.

Rowe said the second-placed Redbacks had been left bitterly disappointed at their showing in the 10-point loss to Templestowe the week prior, paving the way for the weekend’s turnaround.

The hosts clicked into gear in the second term to lead by 39 at the half in the Eastern league Division 2 clash, sending an ominous warning to its finals rivals.

Ringwood coach Brett Rowe. Picture: Stuart Milligan

“We were really disappointed with our game the week before against Templestowe … we didn’t play the way we wanted but in saying that Templestowe didn’t allow us to,” Rowe said.

“We executed to perfection to be honest, it’s probably one of the best games we’ve played in a long time probably from a pressure rating … we just gave them no time and no space and we were just really strong around the contest.”

Daniel Jordanov led the charge in attack with six majors including three in the second quarter, while Jayden Cairns finished best afield for his role on a key Hawk pair.

Rowe said Cairns had been hellbent on making amends for his performance the week prior.

“Jayden came to me at the start of the week and he wanted to take the (Luke) Hannon and (Ryan) White match-ups … he wanted to make amends because he mentioned he was pretty embarrassed with his effort the week before,” Rowe said.

“The speed in which he moves the ball and his rebounding is so important to us, and he really set us up well on the weekend. It just shows great leadership.”

The coach believes the Templestowe loss proved a timely reality check following a 130-point win over last-placed Oakleigh District.

“It’s probably a fair call … we’d had a big four weeks leading into that game … maybe the (Oakleigh District win) put the boys in a bit of a relaxed state I guess, and maybe it was the kick up the bum we needed,” Rowe said.

Saturday’s victory sets up a mouth-watering top-of-the-table clash with South Belgrave.