Romsey charging towards RDFL finals after thumping win over Lancefield

ROMSEY may have just recorded its sixth straight win of the Riddell District Football League season, but it is not taking its position for granted.

Jack O'Sullivan starred for Romsey on Saturday. Picture: Mark Dadswell

ROMSEY may have just recorded its sixth straight win of the Riddell District Football League season, but it is not taking its position for granted.

The fourth-placed Redbacks controlled Saturday’s contest against Lancefield, winning 17.11 (113) to 3.4 (22).

But with the games to come against reigning premier Diggers Rest and finals contender Wallan, the team is yet to rubberstamp a finals berth.

“We knew it was going to be a tough game … but to have 28 scoring shots to their seven was really pleasing,” coach Corey O’Sullivan said.

“The defensive structure was good, the midfield was well on top and the forwards, apart from scoring, had really good defensive pressure.”

Chris Burkett was named best afield for the Redbacks, booting four goals, with Phillip Romeril and Jack O’Sullivan others to impress.

“The reality is we need to keep winning,” O’Sullivan said.

“We feel like we’re playing better football than at the start of the year and we are striving to do that in many ways. Whether we’re good enough to stand up against the better sides, we’ll find that out in the next two to three weeks.”

Romsey coach Corey O'Sullivan. Picture: David Smith

A key component to the winning run has been an even spread of contributors.

“The midfield has been led by Matt Burkett and Jack O’Sullivan, while Ben Way is playing a little higher up the ground in the ruck and on the wing,” O’Sullivan said.

“In the backline, Ayden Tessari and Angus Storey, among others, are all playing good footy. Chris Burkett, Jack Jedwab, all these players contribute.”

This spread is also shown among the goals, with no dominant forward.

“We’ve got probably nine players who can play across all three lines and rotate positions,” O’Sullivan said.

“We also have plenty of youth in the side — Brad Reynolds and Jack Coburn who are 18 came back in this week.

“Any given week probably half the side is under 21 or 22.

“It’s a real credit to the club and the development of the younger players.”

Elsewhere, Rupertswood beat finals contender Riddell by 60 points, Macedon thumped Broadford by 173, Diggers Rest defeated Rockbank by 76, Wallan thumped Woodend-Hesket by 74 and Melton Centrals upset Sunbury Kangaroos by 44.