By Liam Twomey
Diggers Rest moved one step closer to premiership redemption with a thrilling four-point win over Riddell in the Riddell District Football League on Saturday.
After racing to an early 22-point lead, the Burras were forced to fight hard to hold onto their advantage.
Riddell cut the margin to 11 by three-quarter-time and to single figures as the minutes ticked down late in the match.
But as Riddell tried valiantly to close the gap, Diggers Rest finished on top when it mattered to win 9.12 (66) – 9.8 (62) and are now just two wins away from avenging last year’s grand final loss.
Diggers Rest coach Shaun Sims said he was rapt with the fight his players showed.
“We were beaten in the inside 50s and beaten in clearances so to still win is probably a credit to our backline really,” he said.
“They were kicking with the breeze in the last quarter and we managed to hold on.
“Hopefully, the boys get a lot of belief out of that.
“It was one of those games either side could have won.”
Stephen Ruane and Stuart Clarke were named among the best for Diggers Rest, while forwards Jason Williams and Jamie Lobb booted two goals each.
For Riddell, Shaun Neeson finished the match as his side’s leading goalkicker after booting three majors.
He was well supported by Paul Sahlberg and Matthew Panuccio who were also impressive for the Bombers.
While happy to come away with the win, Sims said he believed there was plenty of improvement to come from his side.
“For the month before this game, I think we were playing some of the best footy I’ve seen a Diggers Rest side play,” he said.
“After the match I think both sides would be pretty unhappy with how they played.
“We definitely started extremely well but after that I don’t think either team would have been that happy.
“I thought we were good enough to get the win though and that’s the most important thing.”
Diggers Rest will now play Romsey this week with the winner earning a place in the RDFL grand final.
The Burras will have a few headaches at the selection table but for all the right reasons, as Dean Smith and Brent Tuckey will be available for selection.
It was also a great weekend for the Diggers Rest under 18 and reserves side, which both won their respective finals.
