Diggers Rest missed a chance to jump to equal top of the Riddell District Football League ladder on Saturday, going down to Riddell after a poor final quarter.

Just a week after knocking over the previously unbeaten Macedon, Diggers Rest struggled to shake a determined Riddell as the two sides traded blows across the first three quarters before the home side broke away.

With Macedon losing again on Saturday, a win for Diggers Rest would have drawn them level on points with the Cats and new leaders Rupertswood, but Riddell kicked six final quarter goals to two to run away with a 14.11 (95)-10.7 (67) victory.

It was a scrappy affair early in the game, as the Burras kicked the only goal of the opening term from 10 total shots between the two sides.

It was goal for goal from there until the final term, with Tom Gleeson and Tom Taylor each booting two for the Burras, but when the game was on the line it was Riddell who performed better.

Despite the loss, the Burras remain in third place on the ladder and are a game plus percentage clear of fourth-placed Wallan.

Written by Ewan McRae. Originally published by Star Weekly 17/7/2017 @ http://www.starweekly.com.au/sports/diggers-rue-a-lost-opportunity/