Rupertswood pulls off big upset with win over Romsey in RDFL

Rupertswood coach Ben Jordan demanded a ­response from his side after it was humbled by a rampaging Riddell. On Saturday, he got just that.

RDFL: Sunbury Kangaroos versus Rupertswood at Eric Boardman Reserve, Sunbury. Rupertswood coach Ben Jordan. Pictures:Angie Basdekis

Rupertswood coach Ben Jordan demanded a ­response from his side after it was humbled by a rampaging Riddell.

Against reigning premier Romsey on Saturday, he got just that.

Rupo recorded a 58-point victory as it overcame the Redbacks for the second time this season, 14.17 (101) to 5.13 (43), at Rupertswood Oval.

Jordan did not see much of the match after being knocked out and taken to hospital in the opening minutes.

But the final score told the tale and the coach could not have been prouder.

“We worked on a lot of things during the week,” Jordan said.

“We thought we let ourselves down against Riddell so I know the guys were really determined to put in a big performance and I think it’s all starting to click for us. I’m really proud of the guys.”

Rupertswood went into quarter-time trailing by two goals, but Romsey did not hold its lead for long.

The home side produced one of its best quarters of the season in the second term, piling on nine majors to enter the main break with a 29-point advantage.

Romsey responded in the second half but failed to hit the scoreboard, managing just six behinds in the final hour as Rupertswood’s defence held firm.

The result was what Rupo was after as it continued its search for a top-two position heading into this weekend’s final round of the regular season.

“It’s a good confidence booster heading towards finals and it may or may not mean we’re able to grab that top-two spot,” Jordan said.

“But regardless of that, at least we know we’re in some reasonable form.”

Brett Chambers and Cameron Mcrorie (three goals) were named Rupertswood’s best, while Leigh Brennan finished with four goals.

Romsey slipped from first to fourth on the ladder, as Rupertswood climbed to third.

Riddell took the ladder’s top rung after a bye at the weekend.

Diggers Rest climbed to second spot after former Melbourne midfielder Michael Evans led the charge in a 27.12 (174) to 3.1 (19) belting of Melton Centrals.

Elsewhere, Macedon hammered Lancefield by 94 points, Broadford took care of Kilmore by 93 points, Sunbury Kangaroos smashed Rockbank by 53 points and Woodend-Hesket had a 23-point triumph over Wallan.