Woodend-Hesket outlast RDFNL rival Romsey to end decade-long drought

Woodend-Hesket continues to break new ground, marching into Romsey Park and taking the four points for the first time in more than a decade.

Marcus Stapleton in action for Woodend-Hesket. Picture: Aaron Cook

For the first time in more than a decade, Woodend-Hesket walked out of Romsey Park with four RDFNL premiership points on Saturday

GameDay records don’t go back far enough to record the last win the Hawks had over Romsey at home, highlighting the significance of the 17-point victory.

The result moves Woodend-Hesket a game clear of Romsey in third with a bye in hand, the only club in the top seven yet to have the week off.

In a tight, tense contest, Woodend-Hesket led by four points at three-quarter-time and kicked the only two goals of the final term to run out 10.8 (68) to 7.9 (51) winners to retain the Brian ‘Muscles’ Lee Cup.

Hawks coach Josh Pound said it was a game his club may not have won in previous seasons.

Alistair Rae in action for Woodend-Hesket. Picture: Aaron Cook

“The importance of that game was made very clear to the boys beforehand,” he said.

“It was close all day, the 17-point margin probably wasn’t a reflection of the game, it was one of those games that might have gone the other way in previous years.

“I spoke to our defenders at three-quarter-time because I felt we’d started to sag off a bit.

“Our back six or seven have been our most consistent this year so we had an honest chat about closing that gap a little bit and obviously the proof is in the pudding.”

The two teams were rarely separated throughout the match.

Woodend-Hesket held a five-point lead at quarter-time, three-point advantage at half-time and the margin was four points at the last change.

However, the Hawks defence held firm, keeping the home team goalless, while Hawks recruits Ethan Minns and Dan Davie kicked the only goals of the term.

Daniel Toman was Woodend-Hesket’s best, together with Riley Paterson, Sam Medland, Dan Davie and Alistair Rae.

“Toey (Toman) was fantastic and had a lot of help from Sam Medland and Riley Paterson in there and Tim Martin was great in the ruck,” Pound said.

“Tim rucked all day against Nathan Hoy, who’s managed to get a hold of us the last couple of times we’ve played them.

“We had solid contributors in all areas of the ground, Alistair Rae’s job on (Jack) Jedwab was outstanding and Dan Davie played his best game for us.

“Dan hadn’t played much footy in the last couple of years and came across as a mate of a few of the boys.

“He probably didn’t expect to be playing senior footy this early but we needed to call on him and he’s improving with every game, with (Tom) Gawthrop and (Tayte) Pears out he showing he’s a quality player.”

Matt Burkett was named Romsey’s best in defeat, while Nathan Rayment, Nathan Blair an Nathan Hoy were also solid.

The Hawks will look to continue their winning ways on the road as they travel to rival Macedon in Round 7.

Pound was excited by the challenge.

“They’ve had mixed results to their normal standard but we’re under no illusions with the rivalry that Macedon and Woodend have they’ll be at their best,” he said.

“We haven’t played Macedon or Wallan but it seems the top six anyone can beat anyone and Centrals and Lancefield are much improved too.

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“The competition is in a really good position where you need to be at your best in each game to get results.

“For us to have beaten Romsey and Riddell, we’re taking nothing for granted and we’re really appreciating the results.”

Romsey will look to bounce back when it travels to Lancefield.

Elsewhere in the RDFNL, Macedon edged Melton Centrals by 11 points, Diggers Rest was too strong for Western Rams in a 122-point victory as Mitch Day booted eight goals and Wallan eased past Lancefield by 59 points.