RDFL 2018: Woodend-Hesket keeps season alive with 56-point victory over Romsey

FINALS remain on the agenda for Woodend-Hesket after a stirring 56-point win against Romsey.

FINALS remain on the agenda for Woodend-Hesket after a stirring 56-point win against Romsey.

The Hawks had to defeat the Redbacks to remain in contention for a top-six spot in the Riddell District Football League and they did so in style, producing a strong second-half performance to run out 16.14 (110) to 7.12 (54) winners at Gilbert Gordon Oval on Saturday.

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The win left Woodend-Hesket one game behind sixth-placed Romsey with two rounds remaining, while the Hawks also hold a percentage edge.

Coach Tom Carland said the win kept his side’s season alive for at least another two weeks.

“We played better football for most of the day, but the scoreboard pressure really hit home halfway through the third (quarter),” he said.

“When we got on top, we seemed to move the ball a lot better — the best we have all year.

“We kept chopping directions, making it hard for their defenders to intercept it.”

Daniel Toman was a key figure in Woodend-Hesket’s season-salvaging win over Romsey. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Woodend-Hesket increased its lead at each change, dominating the second half with 10 goals to two.

Charlie Mathieson starred across half-forward, registering several inside-50s and impressing with his efficiency, while Daniel Toman (three goals), Tom Wilson (three) and Tom Gawthrop (four) did the damage on the scoreboard.

The Hawks hope to regain Trent Laverie (knee) and Daniel Ratcliffe (hand) against Riddell in the last round.

Woodend-Hesket’s finals chances looked all but over after a five-match losing streak, but back-to-back wins has it back in contention.

Ben Way and Jesse Waters vie for possession. Picture: Andy Brownbill.

“We have regrouped since then and our training has been better,” Carland said.

Elsewhere, Rupertswood and Riddell enjoyed 130 and 117-point wins against Lancefield and Sunbury Kangaroos respectively, while Wallan held off a fast-finishing Diggers Rest to reclaim third spot by three points. Broadford secured its first win in almost two years, defeating Rockbank by 25 points, while Macedon kept Melton Centrals to two goals in a 69-point win and all but secure finals.