Romsey snaps its near-decade long losing streak against Riddell

Romsey delivered its “first four-quarter effort of the season” to snap a losing streak against Riddell that dates back to 2014.

Aaron Paterson in action for Romsey. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Riddell’s nearly 10-year dominance of RDFNL rival Romsey is over.

The Redbacks’ “first four-quarter effort of the season” delivered it a 23-point win at Romsey Park, snapping an 11-game losing streak that dated back to 2015.

Romsey’s previous win over Riddell had come in the 2014 major semi-final as it went on to win the premiership that season.

A decisive five-goal second term set up the Redbacks’ 10.5 (65) to 6.6 (42) victory with young gun Darcy Lockens booting four goals.

Injury added to defeat for Riddell with star on-baller Dylan Tarczon suffering a shoulder injury in the second quarter.

Kane Brinkhuis in action for Romsey. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Coach Justin Sherman couldn’t have been happier with the performance.

“It was a big game for our club, we knew it would be a great challenge and we’d geared our boys up all week.

“It was our first four-quarter effort for the year and we knew it would take our best for the whole distance.

“They got the jump on us, we felt like they had the ascendancy, so we changed a few things up and started to get back in the contest.

“We felt like we started to out work them and from there we got our forward set up right, started to get deeper entries and that brought our smalls in the game.

“I thought we defended really strongly, to allow six goals to one of the best sides, our boys deserve a lot of credit.”

After an even opening quarter, Romsey jumped away in the second term, booting five goals to one to take a 25-point lead into quarter-time.

The game returned to a dour arm-wrestle in the second half as both teams kicked three goals each for the rest of the game.

Off-season recruit Ali Khalil was prolific off halfback, turning defence into attack with ease.

Lockens, Aaron Paterson, Kane Brinkhuis, Corey Pertzel and Mitch Adamson were also impressive in the win.

“Ali was sensational, he’s fitted in like a glove and we’re very lucky to have him,” Sherman said.

“He’s played Div 1 footy in the Northern league and been a part of a couple of VFL programs and he just brings a calmness to our group off halfback or on a wing.

“He gives us good speed, he composed and hits targets under pressure, and I think the boys feed off that and he gets us going.

“With Darcy, we know what sort of talent we’re dealing with and to get one of our juniors back to the club is really exciting.

“He has built into the season and was outstanding (on Saturday), for a young kid to come out and impact the game like that.

“It wasn’t just his goals, it was his ability to tackle inside 50, get front and centre and finish his work, it was a terrific effort.”

For Riddell, Tom Alkemade was the Bombers’ best in defeat, while Bryce Williamson, Jordan Reardon and Trent Stead were also strong contributors.

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Romsey will tackle Western Rams next week.

Riddell will look to bounce back against Diggers Rest, fresh off the bye, in the grand final rematch at Riddells Creek.

Elsewhere in the RDFNL, Lancefield picked up its first win of the season by beating Melton Centrals by 10 points.

Woodend-Hesket defeated Western Rams by 81 points and Wallan were too good for Macedon, holding the Cats to just three behinds for three quarters to win by 43 points.