Riddell produces dominant performance to thump Romsey in RDFL elimination final

TWO consummate performances allowed Diggers Rest and Riddell to extend their Riddell District Football League finals stay.

Haydn Ross was one of Riddell’s best on Saturday. Picture: Richard Serong

TWO consummate performances allowed Diggers Rest and Riddell to extend their Riddell District Football League finals stay on Sunday.

The Burras earned a shot at a direct route to the grand final after disposing of Sunbury Kangaroos 10.4 (64) to 6.6 (42), while the Bombers smashed Romsey 15.6 (96) to 3.4 (22).

Riddell coach Jamie Elliott said his team’s second quarter display at Sunbury’s Clarke Oval, during which it kicked four goals against the breeze while holding the Redbacks scoreless, proved crucial.

“We had a three or four-goal breeze in the first quarter and we took control and kicked seven,” Elliott said.

“But the second quarter was the most pleasing — they had the breeze and a bit of rain made it tougher, but four goals there is probably the matchwinner straight away.”

Despite leading by 62 points at the long break, the Bombers refused to fall away and conceded just two goals in the second half.

“Our pressure was really good, as was our tackling and we ran the ball really well,” Elliott said.

“The bigger ground suited us.”

That defensive intent is something it will need to replicate when it plays Rupertswood in Sunday’s first semi-final.

The Sharks have won both encounters between the pair this season, hitting triple-figures each time — something the Bombers have only conceded three times for the year.

“If Rupo have got ball in hand, they are hard to stop,” Elliott said.

“We will try and win more of the footy through the middle of the ground.”

Scott Walsh (two goals), Liam Read and Haydn Ross were Riddell’s best, while Chris Burkett, Jack O’Sullivan and Philip Durston tried hard for Romsey.

Sunbury Kangaroos players Ti and Jamie Cuffe compete with Diggers Rest's Cam McCabe and Sean Egan in Sunday’s RDFL elimination final. Picture: Chris Yeend

Diggers Rest produced a superb performance to keep Sunbury Kangaroos scoreless until the third quarter and without a goal until four minutes into the final term.

The Burras ended up winning by 22 points, but it was enough to set up a second semi-final against Macedon, with the winner to earn a direct passage through to the decider.

Corey Wright, Michael Evans and Jamie Lobb (three goals) led the way for the reigning premier, with Darragh McGovern, Mitchell Kook and Jamie Cuffe the Kangaroos’ best.