Tough losses for Panthers, Centrals

_Ljubica Vrankovic_469984_02

Melton South’s winning run came to an end, while it was heartbreak after the siren for Melton Centrals in the Riddell District Football League.

The Panthers had put together a good run of form in recent weeks, but faced an even bigger test on Saturday against Riddell.

The Bombers were able to lead at every break in the high scoring affair.

Melton South stayed in touching distance in the first three quarters with the margin 16 points heading into the final quarter.

The Bombers class shone through late as they kicked five final quarter goals to come away with a 18.12 (120)-13.10 (88) win.

Lachlan Pritchard kicked four goals for the Panthers, while Alec Goodson and William Thornton-Gielen kicked three apiece.

Pritchard was named their best along with Sam Darley and Jake Thornton-Gielen.

The Panthers remain in third spot.

Melton Centrals and the Gisborne Giants played out a thriller as both sides were seeking their second win of the season.

Centrals opened up a big lead in the first half with the margin 26 points at the main break.

The Giants kicked the only three goals of the third quarter to bring it back to four points at the last break.

The two sides traded the lead in the final quarter.

A goal from Thomas Doyle at the 27 minute mark levelled the scores at 105 apiece.

Centrals managed to get a behind as the quarter went beyond 30 minutes.

It would go 36 minutes and come down to a Sam Van Taarling kick after the siren which he was able to convert to give his side a 16.15 (111)-16.10 (106) win.

Hisham Kerbatieh, Jake Armistead and Samuel Apineru were named the Centrals best.

Kerbatieh kicked eight goals in the loss.

Diggers Rest continued on its winning run as it accounted for Romsey, 14.11 (95)-7.9 (51) win.