MATT Davidson booted 14 majors as Romsey eliminated Melton Central and dispelled any concerns that its premiership defence was petering out in Riddell District Football League.
The Redbacks kicked 10 goals to one in an awesome first-quarter display on the way to beating Melton Central by 86 points in the first elimination final at Romsey Park, 24.14 (158) to 11.6 (72).
At Boardman Reserve, Riddell ensured its season would continue for at least another week as it beat Macedon by 13 points in the second elimination final.
The Redbacks were rolled by Melton Central two weeks prior but went about making amends in stunning fashion as they booted 10 goals to one and led by 54 points at the first change.
The Blues battled back into the match with six goals to three in the second term but Romsey doused any hopes of a second-half comeback by extending the margin to 59 points at the final change.
Davidson, who raised his ton in the final round of the home-and-away season, was in imperious form with 14 goals in a dominant display.
Mitchell Brewer and reigning Bowen medallist Shannon Green also stepped up the intensity for finals while youngster Jake Lever was also in the best.
Central made finals in a promising first campaign under coach Brian Wheelahan and fought out the match with Adam Fenton booting five goals and Chris Lock best against the Romsey onslaught.
Romsey advances to this Saturday’s second semi-final against Sunbury Kangaroos, to be played at Kyneton Showgrounds.
At Sunbury, Riddell Bombers also gained the upper hand in the first quarter and held it until the finish in a 13-point win against Macedon.
The Bombers booted six goals to two in the opening term on the way to winning 14.7 (91) to 12.6 (78).
Haydn Ross and Ben Sonogan booted three goals each for the Bombers while Addam Cusworth was Macedon’s leading goalkicker with three. The Bombers will now play a home first semi-final on Sunday against losing qualifying finalist Diggers Rest.
SCORES
RDFL first elimination final — Romsey 24.14 (158) d Melton Central 11.6 (72)
GOALS — Romsey: M. Davidson 14, N. Davidson, B. Henderson, M. Farmer 2, D. Henderson, B. Mitchell, C. Dawson, N. Blair
Melton Central: A. Fenton 5, B. Longhurst 2, S. Frederickson, C. Carassellos, C. Kellett, R. Evans
BEST — Romsey: M. Davidson, M. Brewer, S. Green, C. Petroro, J. Lever, L. McInerney
Melton Central: C. Lock, C. Kellett, K. Bullen, J. Bamford, S. Matthews
