By Tara Murray
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.
This week, the Burras face Rupertswood away.
“They are going to be one of the top teams,” Sims said, “and we will probably go in under- manned.”
In other results, Sunbury Kangaroos defeated Kilmore, Lancefield lost to Wallan, and Rupertswood had an easy win against Broadford.
Macedon and Riddell had byes.
