Rupertswood receives reality check from rampaging Riddell in RDFL

RUPERTSWOOD   has admitted it still has some work to do after being soundly beaten by a rampaging Riddell on Saturday.

Former AFL St Kilda listed player Jarryd Allen takes a towering mark over two Rupertswood opponents. Photo: Aaron Cook.

RUPERTSWOOD   has admitted it still has some work to do after being soundly beaten by a rampaging Riddell on Saturday.

The Bombers flew to a ninth-straight win in the Riddell District Football League, posting a 10.15 (75) to 7.9 (51) victory over the home side at Rupertwood Oval.

With two rounds remaining before finals, Rupo coach Ben Jordan said the defeat was a reality check for his side, which dropped from second to fourth on the ladder after the loss.

“We were outplayed and outmuscled around the footy. It was disappointing,” Jordan said.

“We kept ourselves in the game for a good portion of it but never really strung together enough good, clean footy to mount a serious challenge.

“Riddell missed some opportunities on goal too so they could have put us away.

“I just thought we were 10 or 20 per cent below our best and Riddell took advantage of that and deserved to win.”

Riddell led by two goals at the main break after a first half which yielded just four majors.

The margin stood at 14 points at three-quarter time before the visitors extended their advantage in the final term.

Forward Cameron McRorie (four goals) and defender Austin Cicero were two of few winners for Rupertswood.

Jordan said he expected his side to bounce back against ladder-leader Romsey this weekend.

“We know we can lift and we’re going to have to,” he said.

In other results on Saturday, Sunbury Kangaroos’ hopes of playing finals took another hit as they suffered a fifth-straight loss, falling to Romsey by 39 points.

Jonathon Kent kicked six goals for Lancefield as the Tigers took care of Rockbank by 76 points while Kilmore recorded its first win of the season by 25 points over Melton Centrals.

“We were outplayed and outmuscled around the footy. It was disappointing. We kept ourselves in the game for a good portion of it but never really strung together enough good, clean footy to mount a serious challenge. Riddell missed some opportunities on goal too so they could have put us away. There’s definitely work to do. I just thought we were 10 or 20 percent below our best and Riddell too advantage of that and deserved to win.

“We’ve been pretty good in that area most of the year so I’m expecting a response from us this week.

“I just thought we were a bit off the beat.

“Their form really couldn’t be any better. They certainly are the form side of the comp, but I just felt (on Saturday) we were well short of where we’ve been at and if we bring that against any of the top-six sides we’ll probably get beaten.

“We know we can lift and we’re going to have to. Whether that’s good enough to get the win, we’ll have to wait and see but there’s plenty of work for us to do, that’s for sure.