by Catherine Ferraro, Macedon Ranges Free Press
OVER two thousand spectators packed Romsey Park on Friday night to be a part of Riddell District Football Netball League history.
The inaugural night match was a resounding success for all involved and was described by Romsey senior coach Mark Pedersen as “the best home and away game I have ever been involved in.”
The massive drawcard match between the Redbacks and Broadford was also a fine display of football that had something for everyone and saw the home side fight back from a 24-point half time deficit to steal the win by 10 points.
“Everyone enjoyed that game, it was a great game of old fashioned physical but fair football,” Pedersen said.
“I was impressed with the resolve the boys showed to come back in that last half with no bench. It was a situation where the side that wanted it the most would win and all credit to Broadford they put up a great fight.”
The Roos had control of the game early with spearhead and major drawcard Barry Hall dominating up forward thanks to the precise and consistent delivery from his side’s midfield.
With six goals up to half time, Hall and his team mates looked in complete control of the match and went into the half time break with a four goal jump on the home side.
“We spoke at half time about how we needed to toughen and tighten up, get our heads over the ball and put ourselves back in the contest,” Pedersen said.
“We did that in the third and the boys got some real belief back.”
A five goal third term from the Redbacks brought the deficit back to only six points and gave the Redbacks the momentum.
“We needed the first goal of the final term and when we got that, Broadford could not continue to play defensively and had to try to win the match,” Pedersen said.
“We won that game without nine of our best and when at half time everything looked against us, I asked the boys at three quarter time to show some heart and they did.
“All credit to Broadford, I think they just ran out of legs in the end but they played well.”
Romsey lost Cameron Streeter (shoulder), Mitch Breuer (cheekbone), Mitch Farmer (quad) and Sean Austin (broken hand) before half time and relied on talents of its stalwarts in Blake Hendersen, Cameron Dawson and Shannon Green, who all had huge third terms.
Pedersen also commended the efforts of Craig Robbins on the ball, Anthony Trigg in the ruck, and Aaron Chinn and Tom Conlan.
Huge debt to Hall
Pedersen had nothing but praise for the professionalism of Hall on the night.
“Both the RDFNL and Romsey are indebted to Barry Hall. He should be recognised for his massive contribution to the league,” Pedersen said.
“He was brilliant on the night, as a special guest speaker at the function before the game where he answered questions and after his huge performance where he took part in another hour long question and answer session and signed autographs and had photos.
“He did not leave the rooms until 1.30am the next morning. It was a great night for the club and he has won so much respect from the Romsey community as a whole.”
The only blight on the celebrations was when Hall was yellow carded from the field late in the final term and later reported for allegedly striking in an incident behind play.
Pedersen is hopeful the matter can be resolved as quickly as possible for all involved.
The Redbacks face another tough task this week in Diggers Rest and are enthusiastic about the contest to come.
“We have done our homework and know our match-ups. We will have a different style of game and we know what to expect and are going to give it our best shot.
“With thirteen senior players out of the side, we have to concentrate on who is in the side and work hard to get the job done,” Pedersen said
Last Modified on 05/07/2013 08:19