By Colin MacGillivray
ROMSEY will look to solidify a top-four position in a showdown with Riddell this weekend after seeing off traditional rival Lancefield on Saturday.
The Redbacks were challenged in the first quarter but asserted themselves with an eight-goals-to-one second term to set up a 21.12 (138) to 10.10 (70) triumph.
Jack Jedwab provided a focal point in Romsey’s forward line and finished the day with an accurate 8.2 to his name in a best-on-ground performance.
Captain Nathan Blair provided a physical presence around the ball, benefitting from the deft ruckwork of Nathan Hoy, who battled Lancefield playing coach Tom Waters.
Lancefield’s best included Nathan Malone, Joseph Slattery and Lukas Fellows, while Harrison Taylor, Matt Bowden and Jay Russell kicked two goals each.
Romsey coach Paul Kennedy said he was pleased with the way his team responded after being challenged early.
“It’s going to take a little while for guys to learn the game plan, but they’re jumping on it pretty quick,” he said.
“[Lancefield] got off to a good start and really came to play, and I think we were a fraction flat from the week before. It took us a little while to adjust and I thought they played really well.
“It was about us trying to get back to playing our football, and once we started to win the footy we had some good key targets and we could get it to them quickly so it was a bit easier for them.”
Kennedy said this weekend’s match against Riddell would be ‘a massive test’.
“For us there is a challenge every week. Being a very young side, we’re going to be challenged every week and it’s about whether we can lift to the standard of the opposition,” he said.
“I’ve been told Riddell has had the wood on us probably the last five times they’ve played.
“They’re a big, strong, physical side, and we’re going to have to match them in all departments because their form has been fantastic. They’re going to be a great challenge for us.”
Wallan retained its place atop the ladder with a crushing 39.26 (260) to 0.5 (5) win against the Western Rams at Greenhill Reserve.
The Magpies shared the ball around in attack, with spearhead Matt Perri and fellow forward Sean Morris kicking eight goals each, and 11 other Wallan players getting their name on the scoresheet.
Ricky Schraven was a dominant presence with five majors, and Steven Boyall and Jesse Davies worked hard in the midfield.
The Magpies will face a stiffer test on the road against Woodend this weekend, while Lancefield will have a chance to open its account in an away game against the Rams.
