Riddell leapfrogs Diggers Rest with crucial road win as finals race heats up
Avenge last year’s grand final loss, avenge a Round 2 home loss, missing key players, up to second on the ladder. Riddell’s win over rivals Diggers Rest delivered plenty for positives for the Bombers.
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Riddell produced arguably its finest performance of the season on Saturday to topple RDFL reigning premier Diggers Rest by 22 points.
It could prove an invaluable win with the Bombers set to face the top-four teams in coming weeks, starting with Macedon this weekend.
Romsey is a game clear on top with Riddell, Wallan, Macedon and Diggers Rest all locked on 36 points with six games remaining.
Riddell started strongly at Bloomdale Oval, claiming a 15-point lead at quarter-time and never surrendered its advantage.
Bombers co-coach Justin Belleville believed the win could help set up the club’s finals push.
“We had a very young team in — we had our two captains out and another two or three in our best 22,” he said.
“The message was, ‘boys, you’ve got your spot, don’t give it up for anyone’.
“We’ve got a really tough run home. We play the top five teams, so to get the win will hopefully set us up.”
It was the Bombers’ first victory over Diggers Rest since last year’s grand final but Belleville said that defeat was long forgotten.
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“That ship’s sailed, we’re more concentrating on this year. It’s a totally different team,” he said.
Matt Panuccio and Dylan Tarczon — the RDFL’s second leading goalkicker — booted three goals apiece.
Ruckman James Nolan was a standout in the centre square and around the ground, while midfield star Paul Sahlberg kicked two goals.
“Jimmy was fantastic in the ruck all day. His work around the ground was fantastic and he set the midfield up for us,” Belleville said.
“Paul, I’d rate him as the best player in the competition. He’s one that really gets us going and he’s been fantastic the past month.”
The race for the double chance is fierce with Riddell’s win moving it up to second while Diggers Rest fell to fifth on percentage.
While the Bombers and Cats clash at Riddells Creek Reserve, Rupertswood will host Diggers Rest in an equally important game.
Romsey is away to Lancefield and Wallan hosts Melton Centrals.
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