By Tara Murray
Diggers Rest was made to pay for taking too long to get its game going in a Riddell District Football League semi-final with Riddell.
Playing for a spot in the grand final, it was the Bombers that happened to be the stronger team for longer.
Not much separated the two teams at half-time, before the Bombers opened the game up in the third quarter with three goals.
The Burras had their chances to get back into the game, but the Bombers steadied to win 10.8 (68)-7.4 (46).
Burras coach Jamie Lobb said a team could not be a bit off its game in finals or it would be made to pay.
He said the third quarter, when the Bombers increased the lead from 10 points to 27 points, was the difference.
“We always knew it would be a tough game,” he said.
“They have the best form in the competition. We took too long to get the game going on our terms.
“You can’t afford to have lapses.
“All the stats we were in front and in most of the areas we wanted to be, we were in front.
“We just couldn’t convert on the scoreboard.”
Lobb said Taylor Hine was the standout at half-back for them as he continued a purple patch.
Mathew Medcraft was the only multiple goalscorer for the Burras, with two.
The Burras have the second chance and will face Macedon in a preliminary final this weekend.
Lobb said both teams will have different line-ups to the last time they met.
“It’s just one of those things and we have to front up again this week,” he said.
“We finished where we did which means we get the double chance.”
Lobb said they were still missing five players from their best side but expected three or four players to return this week.
He said Stuart Clarke, Brent Tuckey, Cole Laurie and Jesse Flannery were all chances, while they would see how Mick Kilty pulled up after playing in the twos.
The Burras reserves will also play in a preliminary final after losing to Wallan.
In the other senior semi-final, Macedon smashed Rupertswood. The Cats led by 39 points at quarter-time and were never headed, winning 18.12 (120)-8.9 (57)
To find out more about the Rupertswood and Macedon game, go to www.starweekly.com.au/sports
