Diggers Rest holds off Riddell to claim victory in RDFNL grand final rematch

It wasn’t about redemption but Diggers Rest’s win over premier Riddell still meant plenty to the Burras. Coach Jamie Lobb explains.

Mitchell Brockwell in action for Diggers Rest. Picture: Hamish Blair

Despite missing a handful of stars, Diggers Rest snatched an invaluable 15-point win over Riddell in the RDFNL grand final rematch on Saturday.

The Burras were without skipper Mitch Jensen, Mark Orr, Deven Costigan, Austin Cicero and Josh Flower for the trip to Riddells Creek Reserve but prevailed 9.9 (63) to 7.6 (48).

Both teams fielded vastly different line-ups to their last meeting at Romsey, Diggers with 11 different players and Riddell 10 new faces.

Diggers Rest coach Jamie Lobb said last year was forgotten and a crucial away win against a premiership rival was gold early in the season.

“Going up to Riddell and getting four points is never easy,” he said.

Chris Lawton stretches for the mark. Picture: Hamish Blair

“Away wins are more important than ever and we’ve ticked off Macedon and Riddell now, so just got to keep building.

“Last year is last year so we don’t want to worry about it too much and what we’re trying to get to is winning a flag this year.

“There’s always people that will think it’s a redemption match, it probably means more to the people around the club and the community.”

The Burras burst out of the blocks, kicking five first-quarter goals to take a 15-point lead, stretching it to 19 points at half-time as they kept Riddell goalless.

However, the Bombers found their groove after half-time, storming back into the contest.

The premiers narrowed the margin to just seven points at the final change and had all the momentum but couldn’t find a way in front.

Instead, the visitors steadied and ground out the win.

“It was a funny game, it felt like we were a lot further in front than we were. I felt we were in control but weren’t hitting the scoreboard,” Lobb said.

“They came pretty hard in the third quarter, so it was pleasing to see the guys find a way to win.

“We knuckled down, the boys just didn’t want to lose, they put their heads down and did the dirty work, so it was quite pleasing.

“It was good to see the guys who came in stood up and we had two first-gamers and played well.

“It’s Lachie Meyer’s first season at the club and played a good game and Robbie Tabone has been at the club for six years, toiling away in the twos, and he did a couple of nice things, particularly in the last quarter.”

Jaidyn Caruana was named best afield for Diggers in the win, while Tom Schwarzenberg, Lachlan Hickey and Jai White also impressed.

Caruana booted three goals to be the joint leading goalkicker on the day with Riddell’s Ben Sonogan.

“He had a really good game, Jaidyn, he probably had his best game for the year,” Lobb said.

“Lachie Hickey was really good as well and Tommy Schwaz, he’s found himself in the backline the last month and is doing really well.

“We’re going to be very even across the board so if someone is having an off day then there’s always going to be someone else to fill the void.”

Jesse Horton was named Riddell’s best, while Tommy Alkemade, Trent Stead and Josh Grabham were strong contributors.

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Diggers Rest faces Western Rams next week before a tough fortnight with away trips to fellow undefeated team Wallan and Romsey.

“It’s been a big focus on this four-week block, we’ve put the challenge to the group that we want four wins from four games before we have our next bye for the King’s Birthday weekend,” Lobb said.

Riddell goes to the bye with a 2-3 record and returns to action away against Melton Centrals.

Elsewhere, Romsey was too strong for Western Rams, recording a 105-point victory, Woodend-Hesket edged Melton Centrals by 39 points and Macedon returned to the winners’ circle with a 29-point win over Lancefield.