By Jordyn Grubisic
IN typical Wallan fashion, windy conditions prevailed for the Wallan versus Riddell match on Saturday, as the two sides competed against not just themselves, but strong, goal post-shaking winds.
In a low-scoring, tough contest of Riddell District Football Netball League senior action, Wallan fell short, losing 3.10 (28) to 5.7(37).
Wallan’s assistant coach Spencer Mathieson described it as a ‘very hard day in the office’.
In the opening quarter, Wallan had the advantage of kicking with the wind at the southern end of the oval and led the game by 11 points to a scoreless Riddell at the quarter-time break.
As the ends switched so did the scoreboard with the Bombers taking full advantage of the wind, coming from behind to take a nine-point lead over the Magpies, 1.6 (12) to 3.3 (21).
Riddell had another scoreless quarter in the third as Wallan took a six-point lead into three quarter time but, with the wind on their side in the final quarter, the Bombers took full advantage and kicked two goals to give them the win.
“It was fairly scrappy and made it crucial when you had the opportunity for a set shot at goal,” Mathieson said.
“Riddell were probably better than us when they went in their forward line. They were a bit cleaner when they had the wind and they nailed their set shots, whereas we didn’t and that was probably the difference in the game.”
The wind had a clear impact on the game with only two points scored, both by Wallan, at the northern end as sides went against it.
“When we were against the wind, we played very well but we just didn’t get an opportunity to score,” Mathieson said.
“We had enough of the footy, but when Riddell got the ball back on turnovers, they just nailed the opportunities when they had the wind and we were against it.”
Mathieson said Corey Viani and Steven Boyall had a great game in the midfield for the Magpies, with Angus Love shining in the backline.
Jordan Roberts dominated in the ruck while Sean Morris was strong around the contests.
“Our midfielders did very well but it was a very hard day,” Mathieson said.
On Saturday Wallan will play Romsey in another home game.
Mathieson said the side was hoping to play four quarters of good footy against the Redbacks.
“We played Romsey in round one and they are a pretty good side. We’ve just got to bounce back,” he said.
Wallan’s under 18s play a Friday night home game against Yarraville Seddon and Mathleson encouraged supporters to attend.
Lancefield
Tigers fans experienced an incredible show at home on Saturday as Lancefield dominated against Western Rams in an 89-point victory.
Lancefield came out strong in the first quarter securing a 46-point lead early, kicking seven goals as the Rams managed only two points for the quarter.
In a significant shift in play both sides were left scoreless in the second quarter as Lancefield took in a 7.6 (48) to 0.2 (2) lead at half time.
Lancefield continued to control the field in the third quarter extending its lead to 63 points and then closed out the game with an impressive 14 goals to the Rams’ one.
Benjamin Bryant and Jack Radford both scored three goals for Lancefield, while Lachlan Mitchell, Daniel Reynolds, Luke Malone and Nicholas Simpson were among the best on ground.
Lancefield will travel to Melton on Saturday to play Melton Centrals.
Romsey
Romsey lost to Macedon by 17 points on Saturday.
Playing at Macedon, an even first quarter gave the Redbacks a narrow one-point lead at the first break.
But Romsey trailed for the rest of the game, as Macedon kicked five goals in the second quarter to Romsey’s three goals establishing a comfortable 19-point lead.
The Redbacks upped the pressure in the third quarter, outscoring Macedon four goals to two.
But the Cats lifted the momentum in the fourth quarter and overran the Redbacks, coming out victorious.
Matthew Hoy and Samuel Wilson were multiple goal kickers for Romsey, while Callum Sankey, Wilson, Jaxson Kinnear and William Di Pietro were named in the best.
