Diggers Rest proves itself as genuine contender in RDFL with impressive win over Riddell

DIGGERS Rest staked its claim as a genuine premiership contender in the Riddell District Fooball League this season after inflicting Riddell with just its third loss in two seasons on Saturday.

DIGGERS Rest staked its claim as a genuine premiership contender in the Riddell District Fooball League after inflicting Riddell with just its third loss in two seasons on Saturday.

The Burras flew to a 43-point win at Riddells Creek Reserve, 18.11 (119) to 11.10 (76), in what coach Shaun Sims described as an almost perfect four-quarter performance.

Pressure was the key for the visitors, who did not let up throughout the day as they made sure the Bombers were not afforded time and space.

While inaccurate early — going into quarter-time with just 1.8 on the scoreboard — Diggers Rest also straightened up its kicking in the final three quarters to run away with a shock victory.

“It was fantastic,” Sims said.

“The things we’ve put in place over the last couple of weeks really all worked which is a positive.

“That was as close to a four-quarter performance as we’ve had this year so that was the most pleasing thing.

“We’ve been a bit up and down so far this year and we were talking we talking about needing a reference point for the season. I think we got that. If we bring that sort of commitment, we’re going to be competitive against anyone which was a real positive.”

Craig Harvey was named the Burras’ best while Matthew Krul and Leonard Clark also impressed and James Breen finished with five goals up forward.

The victory was Diggers Rest’s fourth from its last five outings as the side continues to build.

A Broadford side which will be boosted by the inclusion of former AFL power forward Barry Hall for his first game of the season next awaits the Burras this Sunday at Diggers Rest Reserve.

Which defender gets the job on Hall is yet to be decided, but Sims said his side was confident of another strong showing regardless of the 746-goal AFL forward’s impact.

“I haven’t had a whole heap of people put their hands up, I’ll be honest,” Sims said.

“But our focus will be to play our footy and win our footy and hurt them on the scoreboard.”

In other RDFL results on Saturday, Rockbank beat Wallan by 10 points, Sunbury Kangaroos thumped Broadford by 111 points, Lancefield had a 16-point win over Kilmore, Melton Centrals edged out Macedon by three points and Rupertswood took down Woodend-Hesket by 69 points.