By Tara Murray
Diggers Rest’s premiership dreams turned into a nightmare, with all three football sides knocked out of the Riddell District Football League finals.
The club was full of hope ahead of Saturday’s preliminary finals, instead it will be the first time in three years that it has no football side in grand finals action.
In the seniors, the Burras were looking for back-to-back premierships but were knocked out by a determined Wallan.
Scores were level at quarter-time, before the Magpies opened up a small lead.
They extended that to 17 points at the final change.
Many would have still backed in the more experienced Burras side, but it wasn’t to be.
In the end, Diggers Rest lost 11.11 (77)-7.8 (50).
Cam McCabe kicked two goals for the Burras, but he was the only multiple goalscorer.
PHOTO GALLERY: Diggers Rest vs Wallan
Alec Del Papa and Taylor Hine were named the Burras best. It’s a disappointing end to the season for the Burras who had claimed the minor premiership.
Wallan also ended the Burras reserves hopes of back-to-back premierships, winning 7.3 (45)-3.4 (22).
In the under-19.5s, Woodend-Hesket was too strong for Diggers Rest, winning 8.3 (51)-4.4 (28).
The Burras have just one side through to grand final day on Sunday at Clarke Oval.
Their C-grade netball side will go in as favourites against Rupertswood.
They will be looking to avenge losing to them in the grand final the past two years.
