The Courier |
A MATCH-saving tackle from Redan’s Brenton Riordan has ensured the Lions have begun their 2013 season with a victory.
Redan downed a resurgent Melton South by just two points at Mars City Oval on Saturday afternoon, having led by as much as 37 points earlier in the match.
The first term was dominated by the Lions as their all-too-familiar midfield, including Matt Hyden, Brendan Peace and Brenton Riordan, continued to give the home side first use of the ball.
Joel Mathews controlled the ball out of defence several times, including a brilliant passage of play in which he set up a goal for Matt Hyden.
Redan had six individual goal scorers at quarter-time, leaving the Panthers searching for answers.
It was a rejuvenated Melton South outfit that took to the field in the second term, edging its way closer but still trailing by four goals at the main break.
The third term had a bit of everything, with Melton South clearly starting the better of the two sides and at one point shaving the margin to just 12 points but, as quality sides do, Redan steadied.
Damian Horbury also came into the game after being relatively quiet in the first half, kicking two important goals for the quarter.
To the Panthers’ credit though, their ‘never give up’ attitude allowed them to kick the first goal of the last term, through Simon Collis.
However, this was answered within less than a minute by Redan’s Grant Bell.
The Lions appeared to be starting to tire, and Melton South took full advantage of them by piling on three goals.
Redan tried to lock the game down, but a major from Anthony Christofaro brought the margin to within less than a kick.
It came down to a match-saving tackle from Brenton Riordan; he was rewarded with a free kick when the Panthers had players storming towards goal. From there, Redan was able to hold on for a first-round victory, something that coach Eammon Gill said was extremely important.
Melton South coach Matthew stressed the importance of not giving sides head starts like his team did in the first term.
“I was really happy how the boys were able to stick with them, particularly with three players withdrawing this morning,” he said.
“In the end though, we lost by two points and we were down by 36 at quarter-time, so it could’ve been a different story.”
Redan coach Eammon Gill was impressed with the evenness of his side.
“Obviously, during the week we will focus on handling the ball a little better and also maybe work on our finishing, because we ran out of legs by the end of the game and it nearly cost us in the end,” he said.