Melton Centrals holds firm in nerve-racking finish to shock Riddell

It’s going to be hard to top Melton Centrals’ stunning, against-the-odds win over premier Riddell as the upset of the RDFNL season.

Melton Centrals’ Matthew Eberle celebrates a goal. Picture: Andy Brownbill

It will be hard to top Melton Centals for upset of the Riddell District season.

The Blues produced one of the all-time defensive efforts to stun reigning premier Riddell by one point at Arnold’s Creek Reserve on Saturday.

A Jarrod Scott goal put Centrals seven points up early in the fourth quarter before the Bombers laid siege to their backline.

However, despite almost complete control the visitors couldn’t find the goals, kicking 0.7 to fall short, as the home fans celebrated a famous 8.7 (55) to 7.12 (54) victory.

GameDay records don’t stretch back far enough to record the last time Centrals beat Riddell.

Coach Matt Sproule couldn’t have been prouder of his players.

William Thornton-Gielen in action for Melton Centrals. Picture: Andy Brownbill

“It was all heart, there wasn’t much Xs and Os and science to it, it was just all heart,” he said.

“We’d been building towards something like that happening, so hopefully it’s just the start of a few more wins.

“We’re sick of honourable losses, we made a stand last week but didn’t get the job done which hurt the players a bit, and this week it was up to them to cop the pain of losing another one or fighting it out.”

Melton Centrals had jumped out to an early 19-point lead thanks to an impressive five-goal first quarter.

The Blues continued to hold sway at half-time with a 15-point advantage but a goalless third quarter saw Riddell get within two points at the final change.

The Bombers were within a point early on before Scott’s decisive goal.

Riddell then sent wave after wave of attack at the Centrals backline but couldn’t find the winning kick and will be left to rue one that got away.

Midfield trio Jake Armistead, Will Thornton-Gielen and James Roberts as well as ruckman Evan Donoghue all impressed in the victory.

Melton Centrals Jordan Lindsay gets a kick. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Sproule also paid tribute to his defence.

“Our three main midfielders, Jake, Will and Jimmy Roberts and our ruckman Evan Donoghue have been standouts all year,” he said.

“We’re getting a more even contribution around the ground this year.

“Our defence was under-manned but we battled hard and it’s great credit to the boys.

“Jon Ferri battled really well and Jordan Lindsay, who’s been playing a bit of reserves footy, came in and played full-back and did a really good job on their tall forward.”

Tommy Alkemade was best-on for Riddell in defence, while Jesse Horton, Callum Williamson and Ben Sonogan (two goals) were also solid.

The result leaves the Bombers in fifth spot with a 2-4 record, percentage ahead of Macedon, while Melton Centrals are a game behind in seventh.

The Blues now have two weeks off with a bye and King’s Birthday weekend before returning to action against Diggers Rest at Bloomdale Oval.

Sproule hopes the break will allow his team to be back to full strength.

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“We don’t play for the next 21 days, which is the second time this season, but we’ve get Sammy Apineru back – which is big for our forward structure,” he said.

“Adam Tomac and hopefully Ben Tyson (will be back) and we’ll get more recovery into Jake Thornton-Gielen, who’s not 100 per cent but played on the weekend.”

Riddell will look to get its season back on track when it hosts Lancefield on Saturday.

Elsewhere, Diggers Rest is now the only undefeated team in the competition after a 21-point win over Wallan, Romsey was too good for Lancefield by 34 points and Woodend-Hesket saw off Macedon by 22.