Sunbury Kangaroos dug deep to come away with one of their best wins in the last two seasons, but it come at a cost.
While the Kangaroos remain undefeated in Essendon District Football League division 2, Saturday’s win against East Sunbury was one of the hardest.
In heavy rain, it was hard for both sides to score in the first half.
The Kangaroos were able to find another level in the second half, to run away with the 11.13 (79)-2.6 (18) win.
The Thunder was restricted to just one point in the second half.
Kangaroos coach Anthony Leydin said the way the group responded after half time was extremely pleasing.
“I’m probably as proud of the group for the second half, as I have been all of this year and last year to be honest.
“The second half conditions were terrible and we had to dig in for the fight, cause it was a pretty tight contest.
“Thankfully they were able to find it within themselves to commit to that contest and come out on top.
“All things considered it was a pretty good win.” Leydin said the scoreline didn’t reflect the tough contest the match was.
He said their defence was pretty solid and stepped up in the last quarter when the Thunder was kicking with the wind.
“You could be forgiven for thinking they might be off on a day like this, maybe it didn’t mean that much to them sitting two games clear on top of the ladder. That real desire and willingness to fight for the win was pleasing.”
PHOTO GALLERY: East Sunbury vs Sunbury Kangaroos
Making the scoreline more pleasing was the Kangaroos played for most of the second half with no bench.
Brenton Sutherland [cut nose] and Nathan Caldone both went to hospital during the game.
Jackson Baddeley didn’t play out the game after a head knock.
Those injuries come on top of Josh Burgess and David House both missing the game.
House, who had a work place injury during the week, is set to miss several weeks.
Jake Young kicked five goals up forward, while Mitchell Kook was strong down back.
Brad Slater stepped up in the ruck after the injury to Sutherland.
The Kangaroos this week face Hadfield.
The Hawks came within three points of the Kangaroos earlier in the season.
Leydin said it would be a wait and see game how the side looked this week with the injuries in the last couple of weeks.
With results falling their way, the Kangaroos now sit three games clear on top of the ladder.
“We all know what happened last time, they pushed us,” Leydin said.
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