Reigning premier Riddell too good for Rockbank in RDFL elimination final clash

RIDDELL kept its hopes of back-to-back premierships alive with a comfortable win over Rockbank on Saturday, setting up a semi-final showdown with Romsey this weekend.

RDFL Football: Riddell V Rockbank. Riddells Paul Salberg and Rockbanks Jamie Zerafa

RIDDELL kept its hopes of back-to-back premierships alive with a comfortable win over Rockbank on Saturday, setting up a semi-final showdown with Romsey this weekend.

The Bombers had little trouble disposing of the Rams, who dropped away in the third quarter in what was their first finals appearance in 13 years in the Riddell District Football League.

Kicking with the breeze, Riddell slammed on five unanswered goals during the middle stages of that third term to lay the foundations for a 15.10 (100) to 9.12 (66) victory after just 15 points had separated the two sides at the main break.

“Five minutes into the third it was still a level ball game and we were starting to think we hadn’t done enough,” Riddell coach Troy Scoble said. “But then from the five to the 15-minute mark we were able to kick five unanswered goals which was really pleasing and that broke the game open for us.

“You go into any season and the goal’s always to win a final. Now we’ve been able to do that, we’re really pleased.”

Zane Williams, Pat Cariss and Paul Sahlberg led the way for the victors, while Jamie Zerafa was named the Rams’ best.

While the result meant curtains on Rockbank’s season, Riddell has to keep the momentum rolling for another three weeks if it is to take home this year’s title.

Getting over the top of a Romsey side which is still unbeaten from 17 matches this year is the first hurdle the Bombers have to clear at Macedon on Saturday and it is one that will take a huge leap to get over.

“They’ve had a terrific season, Romsey. They’ve pretty much been unbeatable,” Scoble said.

“I know sides have got close to them but they’ve always had that extra bit in reserve. I think it’s no secret they’ve got the best list and they’re injury-free.

“So at the moment, it’s a pretty tough challenge to try and beat them. But you’ve got to be in it to win it. Fortunately for us we’re rapt we’ve got the chance and if we can play near our best and they have an off day, well we might be a chance.

“We’ve just got to find some sort of chink in their armour that we can try and exploit.”