Lancefield back in the Riddell District winners’ circle after 294 days
After 294 days Lancefield is back in the Riddell District winners’ circle after scrapping past Melton Centrals with an evergreen veteran dominant.
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Lancefield’s 294-day wait for a win ended on Saturday.
The Tigers snapped a seven-game RDFNL losing streak with a thrilling 10-point victory over Melton Centrals at Lancefield Park.
It was the club’s first win over a team other than Western Rams since also beating Centrals in Round 10, 2021.
Down by 11 points at half-time, the home team found another gear in the second half, booting five goals to two to win 6.9 (45) to 5.5 (35).
It was a maiden win for new Lancefield coach Tim Bannan, who said his team found belief in itself.
“It was a bit of a scrappy game but you take a win however you can,” he said.
“It was nice to get a win on the board, it was massive for us with the reserves winning as well – I don’t think they’ve won in a while either.
“The boys showed a bit of belief in themselves.
“Except the Diggers game, I thought we were really good against Woodend and we had to show ourselves a bit of belief that we could win the game.
“We kicked a couple of early goals (in the third quarter), there wasn’t any inspiration from me, I think the boys just realised they needed to get a move on.”
Neither side kicked a goal in a tough first quarter before Melton Centrals took the momentum in the second quarter to set up a half-time lead.
However, it was all Lancefield after the main break as the Tigers had 11 scoring shots to five.
Evergreen ruckman Tom Waters was best afield in the win.
The Tigers skipper rucked all day and gave his midfield first use in critical moments.
Luke Fellows kept Centrals forward Dylan Jobson to two goals and Michael Conlan had a strong second half to lead their team home.
“That old bugger just keeps going, doesn’t he,” Bannan said.
“I’ve known Tommy for a long time, since I was at Gisborne, and you know what he’s capable of.
“He was brilliant and took the young kids with him for a ride, he rucked all day, helped our midfield hold up and tells us what he wants.
“Luke was brilliant on Dobson and ran off him a few times, which made Dobson frustrated. He’s an outstanding leader down there.
“Micky Conlan had a quiet first half but we chucked him back out in his favourite position on the wing and let him weave his magic in the second half.”
However, the win did come at a cost for Lancefield with Anthony Pacers breaking his hand and undergoing surgery on Sunday.
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For Centrals, Will Thornton-Gielen was best-on, while Evan Donoghue, Dylan McDonald and James Roberts were also strong contributors
Lancefield will look to make it two wins on the trot when they host an undermanned Macedon on Saturday.
The Tigers haven’t beaten a team other than the Rams and Centrals since taking down Broadford in 2018, coincidentally also the last time the club has won two games in a row.
Melton Centrals will look to bounce back against Woodend-Hesket at Gilbert Gordon Oval.
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