Tara Murray
Melton Centrals have four points on the board, but aren’t getting carried away in the Riddell District Football League.
In windy conditions, the Centrals were able to account for an improved Western Rams side on Saturday, winning 17.14 (116)-3.4 (22).
Centrals coach Mark Pederson said they were quite happy to walk away with the win.
“It was good to blow out the cobwebs,” he said.
“It was really blustery conditions for both sides. I thought Rockbank [the Western Rams] were really good.
“We played better last week in our practice match. There’s a few things we’ll have to work on during the week during training.”
Pederson said they had about 10 new players in the side, who will all take some time to gel.
Jared Scott and Jarrod Spry kicked three goals each for the Centrals.
Pederson said there was a really even spread of contributors in the win.
“Jimmy Roberts was a bit of a standout, as was Adam Tomac, Dylan Clarke and Peter Akech in the ruck.
“It was a pretty good even spread and we got quite a bit out of it.”
For the Rams, it was all single goal kickers.
Ricky Cameron in his return to the club, was named their best along with Phillip Hoyland.
Centrals this week face Diggers Rest, which had a bye in round one.
Pederson said they know they will have to play a lot better than they did in round one to come away with the four points.
“We have played a lot of match simulation, but it’s nothing like playing real games,” he said.
“We are not getting carried away as we know we have to improve on if we are looking to play finals and challenge.
“Diggers Rest and Wallan are our next two matches and they’re two of the top teams. We’ll definitely know in a fortnight where we are at and whether we are up for the challenge or still a fair way off.”
In other results, Wallan held Romsey goalless in the shock of the round, While the Magpies were favourites, the margin wasn’t what many people expected.
The Magpies winning,13.11 (89)-0.4 (4).
Corey Grindlay, Jake Layley and Matt Perri kicked three goals each in the win.
Riddell won a thriller against Macedon with the Bombers winning 6.5 (41)-5.7 (37).
Mick Edwards in his first game for the Bombers was named best on ground.
Under lights, Woodend-Hesket accounted for Lancefield.
The Hawks kept the Tigers goal less after quarter time, winning 9.13 (67)-2.7 (19).
New Hawks coach Josh Pound kicked four goals.
