A second-half blitz from Diggers Rest lifted the Burras to an impressive 67-point win over local rival Rockbank in the Riddell District Football League on Saturday.
Following a hard-fought first half at Bloomdale Oval in which both sides enjoyed momentum, it was finals-bound Diggers Rest that was able to find another gear.
The Burras turned an 11-point half-time advantage into a 47-point lead with six goals in the third term.
OUR PICTURE GALLERY
But it wasn’t just at the attacking end that the home side was in control.
The Diggers Rest defenders also did their bit, holding Rockbank to just two goals in the second half.
The 19.12 (126) – 9.5 (59) win was Diggers Rest’s eighth of the season.
Burras coach Shaun Sims was happy to get the four points but said he would like to see his side play their best football for four quarters.
“I was extremely happy with the way we played in that second half,” he said. “Our first quarter wasn’t too bad, but in the second our ability to not give the first option and not defend was disappointing. We went through that at half-time and were able to play some really good footy in the second half.”
While there were plenty of quality players for the victorious Burras, Jason Williams took the honours for best-on-ground, his four goals vital in his side’s win.
He was well supported by Jamie Lobb, who managed three goals.
“Those boys were clearly the two best on the ground,” Sims said.
“Jason played midfield for pretty much the whole game and kicked four goals. He was also really good around the clearances.
“Jamie’s ability to use the footy and set up the play was fantastic.
“That’s probably his best game for the year. He’s getting better and better as the weeks go by.”
Also getting on the scoresheet for Diggers Rest was Matthew Krul, who had been
playing in Shepparton because of work commitments but returned to the Burras this month.
“He’s a very versatile player and it’s great to have him back at the club,” Sims said.
For Rockbank, Rodney Rich and Jake Armistead booted two goals each, while Russell Rich and Thomas Mainey were both impressive around the ground.
The weekend’s win maintains Diggers Rest’s place in fourth spot on the RDFL ladder, just one win behind top-of-the-table Romsey.
In a game having huge implications for finals, Diggers Rest will take on fifth-placed Riddell this weekend, while Sunbury Kangaroos (fourth) meet Rupertswood (second). Rockbank will have a great chance to secure its second win of the season
when it takes on the 12th-placed Melton Centrals.
In other results from the weekend, Woodend-Hesket defeated Kilmore, Romsey was too good for Lancefield, and Rupertswood got over the top of Macedon.
