Diggers Rest coach Shaun Sims took very few positives out of the Burras’ loss at the hands of Rupertswood in the Riddell District Football League.
While the final margin was only 36 points, Sims said the team “didn’t come to play” in the first half against a fired-up Rupo side playing at home.
Rupo kicked 5.5 in the first quarter for a 33-point margin at the break.
The final score was 11.15 (81) to 6.9 (45).
“We just got beaten everywhere, especially in the first quarter,” Sims said.
“They were ready to play and we weren’t. They were more committed at the contest and we copped our right whack. It’s an effort-based game. If they bring it and you don’t, you’re in trouble.”
Sims said that while the side improved in the second half, it was still a disappointing result.
“We were completely outplayed in the first half, before being more competitive in the second,” he said.
“Jeff Heritage and Lenny Clark tried hard, but I would say there’s not too many positives.”
He said injuries to key players missing from the side weren’t to blame for the poor start
“We will do a lot of work on the physical stuff this week at training and get our heads back into competitive footy.”
In other matches, Rockbank held off Broadford at Ian Cowie Reserve. In a close contest, less than 10 points separated the two teams at each break.
The final term saw the Rams kick five goals to four to win 14.12 (96)-13.8 (86).
Bryce Hall was best for the Rams, along with Talon Sexton.
The Melton Centrals were unable to convert a three-quarter-time lead into a win against Wallan, going down 13.11 (89)-11.12 (78).
The Centrals held the lead at every break in a tight contest.
Adam Fenton and James Aquilina kicked four goals each for the Centrals, with Nathan Richardson named best player.
