By Jackson Russell
Romsey handed reigning premiers Diggers Rest its first loss of the RDFNL season, took out some retribution from last year’s final exit and taken out the top spot on the ladder with a 36-point win over the Burras at Diggers Rest on Saturday.
The Burras had control of the game early, taking a nine point lead while the Redbacks weren’t able capitalise on early opportunities kicking one goal from six scoring shots.
Romsey started to build momentum in the second term, kicking three goals to two and closing the gap to just three points at half-time.
The Redbacks came out of the sheds for the second half raring to go, kicking five goals to one and opening up a 21-point three-quarter time lead.
Romsey put the result beyond doubt by booting four more majors for the win that brings the Redbacks a game closer to the Burras on the RDFNL ladder.
Romsey coach Corey O’Sullivan said he was pleased with the win, especially at a tough ground like Diggers Rest.
“It’s a really tough ground to win at and there aren’t two sides who have won there recently so we were really happy to get the job done,” he said.
“It’s a good ground for us. Our boys thrive on contested ball so a small ground is good for us. Once we got that sorted, we were the better side across the whole day pretty much.
“Our back line was very good. Hayden and Nathan Tessari played excellent games but it was defensive pressure all over the ground that I thought was a factor in the game.
After losing their first match, Romsey are now 6-1 and first on the ladder ahead of Diggers Rest on percentage.
The Redbacks have another tough test this week, hosting 5-2 Rupertswood at Romsey Park.
“We’ve been in good form since preseason so it’s nice to be winning and sitting on top of the ladder,” O’Sullivan said.
“It might only be a week, we’ve got Rupo this week and it’s going to be another important game and we look forward to the contest.”
Diggers Rest 8.7 (55) def by Romsey 12.19 (91)
DIGGERS REST
Goals: J. Wallace 2, J. Wilson, T. Taylor, A. Del Papa, L. Langford, W. Fellows, T. Hine.
Best: T. Taylor, T. Hine, C. Wright, L. Delahey, J. Rowan, W. Fellows.
ROMSEY
Goals: M. Jensen 4, N. Blair 2, M. Burkett 2, J. Carroll, C. Whelan, J. Naylor, J. Jedwab.
Best: M. Jensen, J. O’Sullivan, J. Caruana, N. Rayment, N. Tessari, A. Tessari.
