Tara Murray
Diggers Rest issued a statement in the Riddell District Football League with one of its best performances in recent years.
In the top of the table clash with Wallan, the Burras played a consistent four quarter game on the way to the 15.9 (99)-8.11 (59) win.
The Burras set the tone early and were able to build throughout the match, despite missing seven senior team players.
Coach Jamie Lobb said this was now a reference point for the group going forward.
“It was our best win in a long time,” he said.
“The effort and pressure was the difference. We were able to shut down their free flowing running game.”
The result was a massive turnaround from the last time the two teams met, with the Burras putting out one of their worst performances in a long time.
Lobb said while it might have been in the back of the mind of some players, with a new group and a new year it wasn’t something they focused on.
Lobb said one of the most pleasing things was the younger players who have come in and played well.
“We had a really young side in,” he said. “We had seven players missing and the kids came in and did what they needed to.
“Matthew Webber was one. Jai Whilte in his first game in the seniors kicked two goals from the wing and Justin Tenaglia is in his first year full of seniors
“Our twos still got the job done and Wallan were undefeated. It’s great confidence and a reference point for the rest of the year.”
Mitchell Day kicked five goals in the win, with Mitch Jensen kicking three.
Ryan Mullen and Luke Delahey were named the Burras best.
The win moves the Burras to the top of the ladder, percentage ahead of Riddell.
Lobb said the guys who were missing would still be out for at least another month and not expected back until after the bye.
Marcus Calvaresi, James McMahon, Lachlan Ronaldson, Patrick Jackson, Sean Egan, Tom Taylor and Jaidyn Caruana are among those out.
The Burras this week face the winless Western Rams.
Facing a different pressure, Lobb said they will look to adapt to the challenge ahead.
“It’s not about going out there and winning by 300 points,” he said.
“It’s about getting games into the kids and just continuing to improve.
In other results, Melton Centrals got home against Lancefield 15.5 (95)-11.15 (81), while Macedon beat the Western Rams, 20.10 (130)-3.3 (21).
Meanwhile, Romsey got an important win against Woodend-Hesket, 9.7 (61)-5.10 (40).
