Two weeks is a long time in football and Diggers Rest found out just how long when it was thrashed by Sunbury Kangaroos in the Riddell District Football League on Saturday.
A fortnight ago, Diggers Rest looked like it was ready to put an inconsistent start and injury woes behind it when it won against the previously unbeaten Riddell in the upset of the round.
But on Saturday the Burras of old were back and were given a football lesson, losing 15.10 (100) to 5.10 (40) at Boardman Reserve.
PICTURE GALLERY: Diggers Rest v Sunbury Kangaroos
The Kangaroos were better at ground level and their defence made it difficult for the Burras to score. Whenever the Burras did break through, the Roos responded immediately.
There was small periods when the Burras found clear targets inside 50 and looked as though they’d get back into the game, but they were few and far between.
At three-quarter time and 28 points down, Burras coach Shaun Sims implored his players to attack the ball with relentless pressure.
But the Kangaroos wouldn’t have it, kicking away to their best win of the season.
“It was terrible; they came to play and we didn’t,” Sims said after the game.
“I thought we controlled the game for patches, but not for long enough.
“They deserved to win. We didn’t have too many winners on the field and they wanted it more.
“Our best is good enough to match it with the best sides, but we’re just too inconsistent at the moment.”
This week the Burras face Wallan, which lost to Broadford by six points at the weekend.
“There’s things we will work on during the week,” Sims added. “We need to train hard and get back to doing the things we should be [doing] if we want to be a top-three side.”
In other games, Rockbank continued its push up the ladder with a 100-point win against Macedon, 22.13 (145) to 7.3 (45), at Ian Cowie Reserve.
Coming off two wins, the Rams were in form from the first bounce and appeared to have the game won at quarter-time.
The home side maintained pressure for the rest of the game, not allowing the Cats to find their rhythm.
Jake Armistead kicked four goals and was best on ground for a third straight week.
Melton Centrals had the bye.
This week the Rams face Kilmore.
For more pictures of the weekend’s clash, visit www.melton.starweekly.com.au.