Tara Murray
It took a half for Diggers Rest to blow out the cobwebs, but it didn’t stop the Burras getting a first up win in the Riddell District Football League.
Facing an up and about Woodend-Hesket side which was coming off its first win against Riddell in 17 years, the Burras took their time to get into the game.
After leading by nine points at half time, the Burras were able to kick nine goals to four in the second half to get the 14.12 (96)-8.8 (56) win.
Burras coach Jamie Lobb said they were happy to get the win after a slow start.
“We were a little bit rusty and were getting used to each other,” he said.
“We were very aware that Woodend would be feeling confident after last week, but they played in tough conditions.
“We were confident that we could build and run over them in the second half, which we did.”
Lobb said the biggest difference from the first to the second half was just being used to playing with each other.
He said while they had played practice and intra club matches, regular season footy goes up a level.
“This 22 had not played together before,” he said. “They were getting used to each other and the running movements.
“We had five new players in the ones and a couple in the twos, who played well and will be pushing for spots,
“We were rotation heavy and were able to keep fresh legs.”
Mitchell Day, Mitchell Jensen and Joshua Wallace kicked three goals each for the Burras. Tayte Pears and Ben Toman kicked two each for the Hawks.
Lobb said they had a really even spread of contributors in the win.
“Ryan Mullen was good,” he said. “Chris Lawton down back, the Hickey brothers. There was a really even spread across the board and we are really flexible in most lines.”
The Burras now have a nine day break before their second round match. The Burras face Macedon in what is now an annual Anzac Day clash.
They then have a short turn around and face Lancefield, before a bye the week after.
Lobb said Anzac Day was a pretty big day for the club.
“When Rupertswood left the competition, we were quick to put our hand up to be part of that game,” he said.
“As a club we go to the dawn service. We’ll then give them a break and then run away. It’s a big day for us.”
In other results, Riddell was too strong for Macedon in the PUKA Up Cup.
After an even first half, the Bombers ran away with it, winning 12.8 (80)-5.4 (34).
Darcy McGrath kicked three goals in the win, while Bradley Cooke kicked three goals for the Cats.
Dylan Tarczon and Jack Kernan were named the Bombers and Cats’ best respectively.
Wallan was the other winner on Saturday, beating Romsey 11.8 (74)-6.5 (41).
