Rockbank secures its first win of the season with victory over Kilmore in RDFL

ROCKBANK  coach Gavin Sporle says his side will gain plenty of confidence from its first win of the season in the Riddell District Football League.

Rockbank coach Gavin Sporle. Photo: Dennis Manktelow

ROCKBANK  coach Gavin Sporle says his side will gain plenty of confidence from its first win of the season in the Riddell District Football League.

The Rams — who had an emotional week after the death of a player — ended a four-game losing streak and opened their account for 2015 with a 13.13 (91) to 6.8 (44) triumph over Kilmore on Saturday.

In trying conditions with a strong breeze cutting diagonally across Ian Cowie Reserve, the home side was able to control much of the contest.

It went into quarter-time trailing by a point after kicking against the breeze in the opening term but broke away after that, a five-goal-to-none second quarter making for a 22-point half-time advantage.

“We really set up the game in the first quarter. Even though it was 1.1 to 1.2, we were kicking against that wind which was probably a four-goal breeze,” Sporle said.

“It was good to finally break the duck, especially after a long, emotional week for us last week.”

Lachlan Calder kicked his second big bag of goals in three weeks up forward, slotting eight majors a fortnight after kicking six against Lancefield.

But it was midfielder Jack Sims who was named Rockbank’s best.

“He got first hands on the footy and just used it well,” Sporle said.

“He was able to set us up through the middle of the ground.

“Our entire midfield had a pretty good game, but Jack was instrumental.”

Sporle still believes Rockbank — which finished sixth last year — is just as good a side as it was in 2014.

But with the rest of the competition improving, he knows the Rams have to take things up a gear.

The next task is overcoming Woodend-Hesket.

The Hawks may be 0-6 but recruited strongly over the off-season.

“I think that’s been the most impressive thing. I think our side is just as good as last year’s side, it’s just everyone else has improved so much,” Sporle said.

“That’s great for the competition, but you’ve got to be on top of your game every single week.”

In other results on Saturday, Diggers Rest overcame Melton Centrals by 26 points, while Sunbury Kangaroos belted Lancefield by 91 points.

Romsey took care of Woodend-Hesket by 69 points, Rupertswood downed Wallan by 65 points and Macedon enjoyed a 17-point win over Broadford.