Sunbury Kangaroos back in RDFL mix after big win against Broadford

A VETERAN impressed as Sunbury Kangaroos kept their Riddell District Football League finals hopes alive with a massive win against Broadford.

Veteran big man Jamie Cuffe grabs a mark for Sunbury Kangaroos on Saturday. Picture: Hamish Blair

SUNBURY Kangaroos kept their Riddell District Football League finals hopes alive with a massive win against Broadford on Saturday.

A 10-goal third term was the pick of the bunch as the home side ran riot, winning by 193 points, 33.16 (214) to 3.3 (21).

Josh Burgess enjoyed a day out with eight majors, Daniel Gregory impressed in his first game back from a knee injury and Matt Welsh and Brenton Sutherland were also influential.

Mitchell Streiff looks to fire off a handball for Sunbury Kangaroos. Picture: Hamish Blair

Mitch Streiff (five goals), John Corso (four) and Dwayne Tate (four) also made the most of their chances in front of goal.

“You go into games like that hoping we put our head down and do what’s required,” Leydin said.

“It was a pretty spirited display by Broadford … but any win is a good win.”

Veteran big man Jamie Cuffe, who has lifted spirits and performances since being lured back to the field once more, was another standout for the winners.

The 46-year-old kicked five goals to back up his best-on-ground performance the previous week.

“We hadn’t been expecting him to line-up season after season, but circumstances dictated that we needed an extra body and a wise head,” Leydin said of the 1997 Bowen medallist and co-coach of the club’s 2012 premiership.

“He has been in our best more often than not — it’s quite remarkable to be going well at that age.

“It’s not a situation that we really want to be in — he has done his bit for the club and should be enjoying retirement, but he put his hand up.”

Sunbury Kangaroos Daniel Ellery sends his team forward. Picture: Hamish Blair

It was not all positive for the victors though, with experienced players Tierone Cuffe and Matt Baird suffering serious injuries in the first half.

While finals are still a possibility, the Kangaroos take on five teams in the top six in the next five rounds.

Elsewhere, Wallan maintained top spot on the ladder after a dominant second half against seventh-placed Romsey, winning 17.13 (115) to 9.7 (61).

Macedon moved a game clear in second after defeating Woodend-Hesket by 42 points, kicking five unanswered goals in the final term, while Riddell thumped Rockbank by 231 points, Rupertswood kept Lancefield to two goals in a 119-point win and Diggers Rest proved too strong for Melton Centrals, winning by 53 points.