By Tara Murray
Diggers Rest continues to build at the right time of the season in the Riddell District Football League.
Having played their best four quarter performance in the final round, the Burras upped the level again in their elimination final with Romsey on Sunday.
The Burras made the most of kicking with the wind in the first quarter, kicking nine goals to one to lead by 51 points at the first break.
That was the start of things to come for the Burras, who won every quarter in the 19.10 (124)-6.7 (43) victory.
The match was different to recent clashes between the sides, with the margin in those games less than three goals.
Burras playing coach Jamie Lobb said it was by far their best four quarter performance of the season.
“We have put a lot of focus into a bit more education and how we want to play and they have taken it on board,” he said.
“It was then good to see we put the foot down once we were on top.
“We didn’t let them back into the game.”
While Lobb was thrilled with the first quarter, the second quarter was just as important.
Despite the Redbacks kicking with a four goal breeze in that quarter, the Burras outscored them by one point.
Lobb said it was a good solid performance across the board.
Cameron McCabe kicked five goals, while Josh Wallace and Mathew Medcraft kicked four goals apiece.
Lobb said Medcraft played his best game for the club, thriving being back on his old home ground at Clarke Oval.
He praised the role of Corey Wright on Jack O’Sullivan and Taylor Hine.
“We were pretty even across the board,” Lobb said. “We don’t want to have any weak links.”
James Carroll was the only multiple goalkicker for the Redbacks with two goals.
The win moves the Burras into a semi-final clash with Riddell at Clarke Oval on Saturday, with a grand final spot on the line. It also gives the Burras a second chance.
The two sides played just once this season, back in round three. The Burras won that day by 18 points, but the Bombers haven’t lost since then.
Lobb said they will have to step up another level if they are to beat the Bombers, who defeated Rupertswood in their qualifying final.
“That’s the beauty for us, our finals are now set up,” he said.
“They [Riddell] were pretty impressive as well. We need to improve to compete with them.”
Lobb said they may get some of their injured players back. He said they were still missing about five of their best 22, and all those out were about a 50-50 chance to return.
It was a good weekend for the Burras, with the reserves also winning through to play off for a grand final.
In other senior results, Macedon upset Wallan. After an even first half, the Cats kicked away to win 20.14 (134)-11.10 (76).
For more on the senior finals:
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/diggers-rest-brings-its-best/
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/riddell-takes-charge/
