Tara Murray
Diggers Rest set itself for the big clash with Woodend-Hesket and came out on top to remain undefeated in the Riddell District Football League.
In a top of the table clash on Saturday, the Burras found a way to account for the Hawks for the second time this season, winning 13.8 (86)-7.10 (52).
Burras coach Jamie Lobb said it was a game that the playing group had really set themselves for.
“It was a massive result for us, it was a massive danger game,” he said.
“It’s a ground we struggled at even when they were down the bottom of the ladder. It was our best overall four quarter performance of the season.
“The group of players have played enough footy together now and are starting to gel and click with their roles in the side.
“We really set ourselves for this game. We went in with a game plan and executed it well.”
Lobb said they felt really comfortable after about 10 minutes of the first quarter.
They were able to build the lead throughout the quarters in a pleasing performance.
Lobb said the way the game was played, it played into their hands.
“We were able to play the way we wanted to play and they were rolling numbers back,” he said.
“Contested and clearance footy is our number one game and they are fourth or fifth in stoppages and clearances.
“We thought the guys in the middle would get the job done and they did.”
Lobb said the move to a more contested game of football came naturally with the playing group they have this season.
He said someone like Jaycob Hickey, who joined the club this season, led the way in that area but also had the ability to get the ball out quickly on the outside.
Lobb said they had found the right balance.
Mitchell Day kicked three goals for the Burras, while Hickey chipped in with two goals.
Lobb said it was a lot of usual suspects that led the way, along with a couple of others who really stood up when needed.
“Mark Orr went off in the second quarter and Hayden Davis rucked the whole second half and I thought had the better of [Tim] Martin.
“Josh Flower played well in his first game back from injury. Jaycob Hickey and Marcus Calveresi had good games as well.”
Lobb said Orr had a minor calf complaint which they were cautious with. Orr is set to miss the next few weeks anyway with a delayed honeymoon.
The win has the Burras two games clear at the top of the ladder.
Lobb said while he tries not to look at the ladder, but admits that he looked at it following the win and knows they’re set a good platform.
“We have to make sure that we don’t let our focus slip,” he said. “The guys are aware that there is a bigger picture we are looking at.
“There’s still some things that we still have to work on.”
In other results, Melton Centrals beat Lancefield, Wallan bounced back and beat Romsey and Riddell was too good for the Western Rams.
