MACEDON all but ensured it will play finals this season after a 9.16 (70) to 5.5 (35) win against Rockbank in the Riddell District Football League on Saturday.
It was a heartbreaking loss for the Rams, who now need a miracle to make the six. Both sides were desperate to strike the crucial blow in what was a scrappy, low-scoring affair at Tony Clarke Reserve.
PICTURE GALLERY: Macedon v Rockbank
As it turned out, the blow didn’t come until the final term, when the Cats – leading by 12 points at the final change – kicked six goals to two to be comfortable winners.
Just one goal was kicked in each of the opening quarters – Rockbank in the first and Macedon in the second. Both got two in the third but it was only inaccuracy keeping the Rams in it, with Macedon having 17 shots on goal to Rockbank’s five after three quarters.
Macedon (fifth, 8-7, 105.8 per-cent) has a bye this weekend before a last-round clash against Wallan. Rockbank (11th, 5-9, 85.5 per-cent) plays Kilmore and Broadford.
At Salesian College, Rupertswood jumped into the top six with a 13.9 (87) to 9.13 (67) win over Lancefield.
Rupo shot to an 18-point lead early in the contest before Lancefield came roaring back with a six-goal second quarter.
But the second half belonged to Rupo, who kicked five and kept the Tigers to two to record perhaps its most important win of the season.
Rupertswood plays cellar-dweller Woodend-Hesket this weekend before a final-round clash with Diggers Rest. Lancefield now looks likely to miss finals with one game remaining against Riddell.
Melton Centrals kept its slim finals chances alive with a 6.8 (44) to 4.8 (32) win over Kilmore. The Blues, yet to win this season, came to play and at half-time were only two points in arrears. But Melton kicked two of the three second-half goals to get the victory. The Centrals host Romsey this weekend.
Riddell remains top of the ladder after a 14.14 (98) to 9.9 (63) win over Wallan. James Nolan booted six to keep the Bombers in prime position.
In the weekend’s other match, Sunbury Kangaroos comfortably downed Romsey, 15.5 (95) to 5.8 (38).
This weekend, Diggers Rest hosts Broadford, Riddell travels to Lancefield and Sunbury and Wallan have a bye.
