RDFL: Melton Centrals too good for Rockbank in opener

Melton Centrals had a great start to their Riddell District Football League season, comfortably accounting for Rockbank.

It was tight early, with only a handful of goals separating the two sides for much of the first half, but the Centrals kicked away late in the game.

Four goals to James Aquilina led the way for the Centrals as they took the win 12.11 (83) to Rockbank’s 6.7 (43).

Since joining the Riddell District Football League last season, Rupertswood has impressed with its competitiveness, but it remains winless against rivals Sunbury.

Saturday was the fourth meeting between the clubs and the Kangaroos again proved too strong, winning 12.15 (87) to 10.9 (69).

PICTURE GALLERY: Sunbury Kangaroos v Rupertswood

The Sharks led by two points at quarter-time, having made more of their opportunities in front of the big sticks than an inaccurate Sunbury.

Poor goalkicking again hampered the Roos in the second term, and though by half-time Sunbury had drawn level with Rupo the Roos had had five more shots on goal.

Sunbury took the ascendancy in the third quarter, however, booting four goals to one to take a match-winning 19-point lead into the final break.

Rupo launched a counter-attack in the final term, but Sunbury had all the answers, running out 18-point winners.

Jamerson Campbell was best on ground with three goals for Sunbury, while Lancefield recruit John Baker also slotted three for the victors.

Reigning premier Riddell kicked off its season with a comfortable 14.12 (96) to 5.5 (35) win over Lancefield. Leading by 28 points at half-time, the Bombers secured the win with a six-goal third term that put them 56 up at the final break.

Brian Ruffell and Peter Robertson both slotted three for Riddell.

Over at Tony Clarke Reserve, Woodend-Hesket came within three points of a come-from-behind victory over Macedon, finalists in 2013. The Hawks trailed by 22 points at three-quarter-time but booted five goals to two in the final quarter to fire back into the game, eventually falling just short, 13.13 (91) to 14.10 (94).

Matt Davidson slotted eight goals in Romsey’s big 16.22 (118) to 6.3 (39) win over Broadford, while Wallan overcame a one-point three-quarter-time deficit to beat a plucky Kilmore side 11.17 (83) to 10.8 (68). Diggers Rest had a bye.