Romsey still seeking to improve after claiming first win of RDFL season

ROMSEY is on the board for season 2017 in the Riddell District Football League after claiming its first win.

Romsey’s Nathan Rayment in action last year. Picture: Richard Serong

ROMSEY is on the board for season 2017 after claiming its first win on Thursday night.

The Redbacks jumped out to a 28-point lead by halftime before pushing on to defeat Melton Centrals 13.9 (87) to 9.5 (59) at Romsey Park.

Matt Burkett continued his strong start to the season with three goals, with Jack O’Sullivan and Aaron Paterson (three goals) impressing.

“It was good to get the first win but we didn’t play as well as we wanted,” coach Corey O’Sullivan said.

“Melton Centrals was very good in the contested ball, so it was a really hard-fought game.

“(But) we think every player on the list could certainly improve.”

Romsey lost its opening-round match to Sunbury Kangaroos by 21 points despite leading by 10 points at the last break.

The coach has put the onus on his midfielders to hit the scoreboard more often.

“I feel we’ve got a real even spread of goalkickers,” O’Sullivan said.

“But our delivery in the first two games has been really poor.

“We’ve moved the ball well from the back and through the middle but then our delivery and decision-making has let us down.”

The 2015 premier stumbled to finish ninth last year but hopes to push for a finals berth this season.

While losing Walid Saad and Marc Young, the Redbacks have significantly added to their depth with James Carroll (Heathcote), Darren Goodwin (Macedon), Jaidyn Caruana (Roxburgh Park) and Nick Wilson (Melton South) among those who have joined.

“They are all experienced footballers who just give us that bit more depth,” O’Sullivan said.

With a break now before taking on Wallan on April 29, Romsey has a firm target in mind for this year.

“We want to play finals footy, but we’re still a fair way off,” O’Sullivan said.

“We think we still have a fair bit of improvement left in us and we will do everything we can to get up the ladder.”

Round 2 will continue this weekend, with the last match to be played between Macedon and Rupertswood on Anzac Day.