RDFL: Riddell firmly in top-three mix after comprehensive win over flag contender Rupertswood

RIDDELL restricted premiership fancy Rupertswood to its lowest total in more than three seasons to announce itself as a flag contender on Saturday.

Defender Brayden Allen was one of Riddell’s matchwinners on Saturday. Picture: Andy Brownbill.

RIDDELL restricted premiership fancy Rupertswood to its lowest total in more than three seasons to announce itself as a flag contender on Saturday.

The Bombers triumphed 14.6 (90) to 3.9 (27) at Riddells Creek Reserve, keeping the Sharks to their lowest score since they posted 3.2 (20) in a 2014 semi-final against Diggers Rest.

After dropping their opening three matches of 2018 to Macedon, Wallan and Diggers Rest, Riddell has won six consecutive games by an average of 102 points.

In that period, they have only conceded more than 30 points twice, against Melton Centrals in Round 4 (69 points) and Romsey (60).

Thumping victories over Broadford, Sunbury Kangaroos and Lancefield had been expected, but Saturday’s victory over Rupertswood was undoubtedly the Bombers’ best of the campaign.

“We still rate ourselves as one of the top sides,” Riddell coach Jamie Elliot said.

“The belief was always there, you have just got to put it together.”

Defender Brayden Allen was superb, holding Todd Podolczak goalless, while Tim Walsh, Liam Read and Bryce Williamson were also in their side’s best.

Asked if his side was a premiership contender, Elliot said: “We wouldn’t talk premierships. But we know on our day if we are hard at the footy and tackle pressure is right up, we are as good as anyone.”

The Bombers had the Round 9 Riddell District Football League fixture in their keeping by halftime when they led by 33 points and pressed home their advantage after the main break.

Riddell avoids Rupertswood, Diggers Rest and Wallan in the remaining rounds, but faces reigning premier Macedon, Romsey and Woodend-Hesket twice.

“It’s hard to go into a top six when you haven’t got a double chance and you have got to win four big games in a row,” Elliot said.

“That was always in the back of my mind, so it’s good to get that win.”

The Bombers are fourth on the ladder, while Rupertswood dropped to third.

Diggers Rest thumped Lancefield by 113 points, Romsey downed Sunbury Kangaroos by 52, Macedon demolished Rockbank by 137 and Melton Centrals defeated Broadford by 158.

Wallan moved a game clear on top of the ladder after its 21-point victory over Woodend-Hesket.