Riddell starts second half of RDFL season with strong win over Woodend-Hesket
Riddell made a strong start to the second half of the RDFL season against Woodend-Hesket with a blockbuster month to make or break its season.
Riddell
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Riddell coach Justin Belleville says the club’s next month will be season defining.
The Bombers made a strong start to the second half of the season on Saturday, disposing of Woodend-Hesket by 18 points at Gilbert Gordon Reserve.
Blockbuster clashes against finals rivals Wallan (home), Romsey (away) and Diggers Rest (home) follow as the RDFL top-five takes shape.
Riddell led by just nine points at three-quarter-time but a strong final term secured a 10.13 (73) to 8.7 (55) victory and keeps it level with ladder-leader Diggers Rest.
Belleville said the double chance was there for the taking.
“We’re only half-way through the year and the next four weeks are going to be massive for us,” he said.
“We’ve had Woodend away then we’ve got Wallan at home then Romsey away and Diggers at home.
“(The game against Wallan) is a big game for both teams but I still think Wallan are the benchmark.
“We’ll want to be competitive against them to see where we’re at.”
Woodend-Hesket put up a strong fight and threatened to pinch a win with its efficiency in front of goals.
However, five goals from defender-turned-spearhead Tim Walsh and a dominant performance from Josh Grabham in the ruck inspired a critical road win.
Dylan Tarczon continued his impressive season, while Cal Williamson and Ben Sonogan also stood out.
Belleville praised his senior players for stepping up when it mattered most.
“We were rapt with it, it’s always hard to go over to Woodend,” he said.
“We were in control, we just needed a bit of luck – we hit the post about four times – but once we straightened a few things up I thought we got the better of them.
“Our senior players took control of the game in the second half; Tarczon, Williamson, Sonogan and Jordan Reardon went back onto (Tom) Gawthrop and kept him quiet.
“Josh is the best ruckman in the comp by the Flemington straight I reckon but doesn’t get a lot of recognition. I haven’t seen him beaten in two years.”
Having made his name as a defender for Riddell and Gisborne in the Bendigo league, Walsh has now booted 22 goals in five appearances.
The crafty veteran will be a major factor in Riddell’s fortunes come the second half of the season.
“I’ve got to look after the old blokes,” Belleville said.
“He had 10 shots on goal on the weekend and he kicked five, he’s our focal point down there alongside Sonogan and when Tarczon goes down there it’s pretty hard to stop.
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“Once he gets fitter he’ll be better, he didn’t do a pre-season, so every game he’s getting better.”
Tayte Pears and Gawthrop both kicked three goals for Woodend-Hesket, while Tobi Duff-Tytler was the Hawks’ best in defeat along with Dean Bramley and Jake Arceri.
The Hawks will look to bounce back against Lancefield on Saturday and keep their finals hopes alive sitting two games behind Romsey in fifth.
In other results, Diggers Rest (134) accounted for Melton Centrals (58), Wallan (114) was too good for Romsey (56) and Macedon (145) had a big win over Lancefield thanks to 11 goals from Jason Cooke.
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