By Tara Murray
Diggers Rest’s good early season form continued with a win against Wallan in the Riddell District Football League on Saturday.
After two welcome wins to start the season, the Burras faced another test on Saturday against an undefeated Wallan side.
The Burras pushed to another level in the second half to run away to a 13.15 (93)-9.14 (68) win.
Burras playing coach Jamie Lobb said their work in the off season showed through when it was needed.
“We know Wallan will be a good side,” he said.
“We were interested to see how their form would hold up.
“The first half was a lot closer than the scoreboard showed. They missed a few shots and kept us in the game, while we were able to convert.
“We’ve had good second half form … It’s good for the players to see they are reaping the rewards.”
The win came despite losing Stuart Clarke and Lachie Langford as late withdrawals before the game.
Lobb said Tom Evans and Jack Wilson, who came into the side, both played their roles well.
Thomas Taylor, Cole Laurie and Todd Delahey kicked two goals apiece for the
Burras.
Lobb said Matthew Krul and Cale Morton were the standouts in the win, while Luke Delahey played his best game since coming to the club.
Morton, who moved between the back line and middle, spent the game in the midfield.
Lobb said one of their main strengths this season was flexibility within the squad.
“We’ve got six, seven even eight guys that can play two or three positions.
“It all depends on match-ups.”
The Burras are one of two undefeated teams after three rounds, along with Melton Centrals, which had the bye at the weekend.
On paper, the Diggers Rest had one of the hardest starts to the season facing Rupertswood, Riddell and Wallan, which all played finals last season.
Lobb said they were happy with their start.
“Speaking after the game to people around the club, they had a pass mark of 2-1 and we’re sitting 3-0,” he said.
“We’ve still got our best football ahead of us. We’ve got Broadford and Melton Centrals before the bye.
“Both sides have improved and we have to be switched on, we don’t want to drop a game.”
Lobb said Clarke, Langford and the others out of their senior team were unlikely to return this week.
In other results, Rockbank had a tough day against Broadford. Both sides were hoping for their first win but it was the Kangaroos who triumphed, winning 22.14 (146)-6.8 (44).
Rupertswood won the Anzac Day clash with Macedon, Romsey smashed Woodend-Hekset, while Riddell beat Lancefield.
MORE RDFL NEWS
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