By Jackson Russell
Romsey cruised to a 134-point win over Melton Centrals on Saturday.
Romsey was able to improve its record to 5-1 and also better its league-best percentage of 383.86 with the blow out.
Romsey coach Corey O’Sullivan said he was happy with the win, especially the defensive effort.
“Our defensive efforts so far this year have been outstanding,” he said.
“Melton Centrals have five of their scoring shots in junk time so from the moment we stepped out on the field to the last five minutes, our defensive efforts were really strong.
“We’re very strong on making sure the defensive aspect is a feature of our game and we can attack from those positions.
“Sides need to score to win so defence doesn’t win you games but it’s how we get the ball back and we can attack and score.”
The result was never in doubt as the Redbacks kept Melton Centrals scoreless in the first term and kicked 8.3.51.
Despite a home-ground advantage, Melton Centrals remained goalless in the second term as Romsey added four more majors to lead by 76 points at half-time.
The punishment continued into the second half and a shutout was on the cards as the Redbacks still didn’t allow a goal going into three-quarter time with a 121-point lead.
Melton Centrals finally got on the board in the final term, kicking 3.2.20 as Romsey took its foot slightly off the gas.
Mitch Jensen continued his run of form, kicking six goals in the win.
O’Sullivan said the whole group had been playing good football but they’re not getting ahead of themselves.
“Mitch is playing really good football but our whole midfield has been playing good football all weekend and we’ve had good cohesion between lines and the effort of every player has been outstanding,” O’Sullivan said.
“We’ll find out a bit about ourselves with the reigning premiers Diggers Rest away next week then Rupertswood at home.
“We still have to play Riddell twice as well as Wallan and Macedon to come so we’re not getting ahead of ourselves.”
Melton Centrals 3.7 (25) def by Romsey 25.9 (159)
MELTON CENTRALS
Goals: J. Ferri, L. Vassallo, J. Spry.
Best: D. Callus, D. Weir, P. Akech, C. Charge, M. Callus, K. Bullen.
ROMSEY
Goals: M. Jensen 6, M. Burkett 4, N. Blair 3, N. Rayment 2, J. Mills 2, J. O’Sullivan 2, A. Paterson, J. Naylor, R. Stott, J. Caruana, M. Goodwin, B. Henderson.
Best: J. Caruana, M. Burkett, B. Henderson, M. Jensen, A. Paterson, C. Whelan.