Diggers Rest’s experience showed when it counted most, getting the Burras over the line against a determined Romsey side.
For much of the Riddell District Football League match, the Burras had control yet struggled to convert.
The Redbacks hung around and midway through the last quarter looked to have the running with scores level.
But the Burras found another level to win the hard-fought contest 10.16 (76)-10.6 (66).
Burras coach Shaun Sims was just happy to get the win.
“We had double the scoring shots at half-time,” he said.
“We started the second quarter really well and got out to a three- to four-goal lead … we dropped off for that 10 minutes and let them get back into the game.
“The last half, some of our tackling was really good, but we let ourselves down with our finishing.”
Mick Kilty kicked two goals, as did Lachlan Langford – including the sealer after a screamer late in the last quarter.
Corey Wright was named the Burras’ best.
The win was soured by some fresh injury concerns for the Burras.
Tom Glesson and Stephen Ruane didn’t play any part in the second half, while Jamie Lobb was carried from the ground after some friendly fire.
Sean Egan ended the game on the bench after taking a knock late.
The Burras are third on the ladder. A win on Saturday and a Rupertswood loss could see them move to second.
“We’ve used 43 players in the seniors,” Sims said. “It’s about getting continuity into the side, but we haven’t been able to do that.
“Matty Krul, Josh Wallace, Michael Aitken will be available next week. Hopefully, we can come close to a full side come finals.”
The loss leaves the Redbacks as one of four teams fighting for three finals spots heading into the final round.
Wallan and Riddell moved to equal on points with the Redbacks with big wins, while Sunbury Kangaroos, who have a better percentage than the Redbacks, sit a game back in seventh after smashing Lancefield.
The Redbacks will face Wallan in the final round, while the Kangaroos will face Woodend-Hesket and the Bombers will take on Broadford.
In other results, Macedon and Rupertswood had no problems accounting for Woodend-Hesket and Rockbank.
