Diggers Rest’s Stuart Clarke outmarks Melton Centrals’ Peter Herrick. Photo: Wayne Hawkins
An undermanned Diggers Rest has shown fighting spirit to record what in the end was a comfortable win against Melton Centrals in Riddell District Football League on Saturday.
Entering the game without its top three key-position players, the Burras were without a bench in the final term after being hit with more injuries.
Despite the limited manpower, the Burras held things together to record a 71-point win, 15.18 (108) to 5.7 (37).
Burras coach Shaun Sims said he was impressed with how his players responded.
“We lost Tom Gleeson with a fractured jaw last week and Brent Tuckey has bursitis on his elbow, while Luke Smailes was suspended,”
he said.
“We then lost one of our captains, Stuart Clarke, mid-game against Centrals and had no bench.
“Stuart was the best player on the ground to half-time and then he dislocated his knee.”
Sims said everyone went into the game worried about the weather.
“Both teams had players back, as it’s not the easiest conditions to play in. Pressure footy was our main focus.”
Mark Freeth was best on ground, while Matthew Krul played well in the ruck.
Centrals coach Brian Wheelahan said his side wasn’t as competitive as he would have liked.
“Our performances leading into the game had been good.
“We fell into bad habits in the second quarter, and when we had control of the ball in the opening 10 minutes of the third term we weren’t able to convert.
“We were still in the game at three-quarter- time, but it was a disappointing to have an 11-goal loss.”
Wheelahan said Centrals needed to play more consistent football.
“When we play our best, like we did in the third quarter, I think we play well. If we can put it together for four quarters, we can play with the better teams.”
Wheelahan said his back line, which was much smaller than the Burras’ forward line, fought all day. “Kane Bullen was giving away a lot of height but battled hard and Paul McNamara was good in the back pocket.”
This week, Centrals will play Wallan at home, while the Burras will face Rupertswood away. “They are going to be one of the top teams,” Sims said, “and we will probably go in under-manned.”
Last Modified on 23/07/2014 19:06