For the first time since 2019, the Riddell District Interleague team journeyed to Moorabbin to take on the Southern FNC.
Saturday saw three exciting representative matches of football across men’s, women’s, and U19’s.
Riddell and Southern are no strangers when it comes to playing interleague football, as the last time these two leagues met in 2019 saw a thriller be played out at Riddell.
Back then, the scoreboard showed the score as a one-point win to the SFNL. However, confusion followed as the umpires met in the middle to confer their scorecards, to which an error was found that realised the scores were in fact tied, and the game went into extra time with Southern going down by three points.
Three years later, history was to repeat itself with the scoreboard showing (correctly this time) a tied result. But more on that later.
Both sides put on a nail-biting clash. Spectators were treated to a rollercoaster of emotions as both teams traded score for score, turning the match into a true cliffhanger. From the first bounce to the final siren, the game unfolded with intensity and anticipation.
Throughout the majority of the game, both teams showcased their prowess on the field, with neither team willing to yield an inch. The scoreboard was a testament to their closely matched skills, as each score was fiercely contested.
As the game reached its climax, tension reached a fever pitch. With mere moments left on the clock, the score remained deadlocked, setting the stage for a breathtaking conclusion. Both teams pushed themselves to the limit in pursuit of victory, knowing that every play could be the difference-maker.
Then, as the final siren sounded, the crowd erupted into a frenzy of cheers and gasps. The outcome hung in the balance, leaving fans and players alike holding their breath. Â Scores were locked at Riddell 14.7 (91) and Southern 13.13 (91).
Like three years ago, the umpires conferred, and this time the scoreboard was correct, and the game moved into extra time with Southern booting a goal in the first 90 seconds.
The pressure was clearly showing with both side slotting behinds in their next attempts. Reuben Rode steadied for Riddell with a goal but a mark on the siren and a subsequent behind saw Southern come out the winners 14.15 (99) to 15.8. (98).
A strong side of players from RDFL teams made up the Senior side under Wallan coach, Daniel Nolan. Justin Sherman (Romsey), Aaron Bray (Riddell) and Al Meldrum (Macedon) were the assistant coaches.
Wallan FNC players Sean Morris, Reuben Rode, Brodie Gilchrist, Sean Stewart, Michael Manix, Harden Gill and Patrick Mahoney made the cut for the RDFL side along with Darcy Lokens, Corey Pertzel, Jack Jedwab and Nathan Rayment from Romsey FNC.
Riddell players Bryce Williamson, Luke Cannon, Tommy Alkemade, and Dylan Podolczak also featured in the team along with Riley O’Meara from Lancefield.
