Tara Murray
Burnside Heights keep finding ways to get wins on the board in Essendon District Football League division 2 competition.
The Bears are one of two undefeated teams after seven rounds, having faced a number of tough challenges in recent weeks.
On Saturday, the Bears were able to hold off a dogged Sunbury Kangaroos.
The Bears did most of the damage in the first half leading by 30 points at the main break. The Kangaroos kept coming,
but the Bears were able to do enough to win, 15.8 (98)-11.8 (74).
Bears coach Cole Harvey said they had to find other ways to come home with the points.
“We had them for most of the day,” he said. “They got it back to 13 points late in the third quarter or early in the last.
“We straightened up and Daniel Hovey kicked 9.1 so that helped. We lost Nick Gregson early on. He dislocated his finger and he had to go to hospital as no one could get it back in.
“We shifted the magnets around and were able to kick a winning score.”
Harvey said they had spoken during the week about their starts and while the Kangaroos were good early on, they were better at making the most of their opportunities.
“We got control and hit the scoreboard really well,” he said. “We took the opportunities when they were there.
“They really challenged us in the coaches box.
Hovey was named in the Bears best along with skipper Jordan Hughes and Dion Lawson.
Harvey said Lachie Evans rucked all day and won the battle with Dean Halliwell and Luke Bonello continued his good form on the wing.
The win continues the Bears good start to the season as they aim to return to play finals.
Harvey said the start they’ve had has been completely unexpected.
“We didn’t expect this start,” he said. “We’ve got a good list and we have a couple to come back next week.
“We’ll review this one and then face Hadfield.”
After the Hadfield game, the Bears have two weeks off with the interleague bye and the bye.
Harvey said it would be a good opportunity to freshen up the squad ahead of a big clash against Taylors Lakes.
The Lions are the only other undefeated side.
“Hopefully they get a few guys back and we can see where we sit heading into the second half of the season,” Harvey said.
The Lions only just came home with the points against the Northern Saints in this clash on Saints.
After a strong start the Lions had to hold on to overcome the Saints, 14.9 (93)-13.8 (86).
Chris Vulic was named the Lions best.
In division 1, St Albans beat Tullamarine and Hillside was too strong Keilor Park to remain undefeated.
