Epping progressed to the Heidelberg Golf Club Division 3 preliminary final after a tense struggle against St Mary’s in the first semi final.
The Blues scored a 7.10 (52) to 6.10 (46) triumph at the Whittlesea Showgrounds in heavy conditions.
Burra’s Myles Guldon marked 45 metre out late in the match. His kick into the teeth of the wind with the heavy ball fell a few metres short as the siren rang.
Epping fans roared loudly as the final bell ended an amazing quarter without a goal being scored. The Blues had worked their way into a commanding position – leading by eight points at the last break and coming home with the wind.
But games between these teams are often nail-biters. The past five games between them have resulted in a one-kick win, with Epping now leading those results 4-1.
True to the script, the Burra fought back into the wind – often intercepting the ball across half back and sweeping the ball forward. James Boarotto was getting ball on the outside around the midfield and proved to be a constant avenue to attack.
But the decisive kick inside 50m either let them down – or the forward missed the shot at goal.
The umpires were constantly calling for a bounce as players piled in for the ball. The vocal crowd rode every bump, tackle, kick and handball in a riveting final term.
St Mary’s won the final term 0.4 to 0.2 after having the game played in its half for most of that time.
Epping earlier set up the victory by narrowly outscoring the Burra into the wind in the third term.
The Blues managed to run down the clock by forcing the ball to the western side of the ground and being very good in the clinches – then moving the ball quickly on the counter-attack.
“A four quarter physical effort and pressure in defence,” was Epping coach Greg Whitcroft’s summary of the game.
Dillan Ronalds played a huge first term for St Mary’s, with two goals and numerous other possessions. Lucas Aquilina was able to quell his influence thereafter and stop him dominating the game.
Lewis Harry was the leading tackler in a game where applying pressure was critical. Daniel Moore spent a lot of time in the ruck and did well around the ground. But the difference, in the end, was Chris Chilcott.
He booted four goals from set shots and was clearly the best forward on the ground. He had back-up from Aaron Willitts with two goals. Willitts managed to show use usual high-marking skills despite the wet conditions.
Leigh Judd did well – mainly across half back. But he also hit Chilcott with a perfect pass for a major.
The Burra were well served by Jake Drambrauskas across half back and Daniel Castagnini, who has had a great year. Up forward, Matthew Patti was the other multiple goal kicker with two.
After the loss, St Mary’s coach Con Borg spoke to the players and told them he would not be continuing in his role next year. Borg led the fledgling club into the finals in his last two years – losing hard-fought first semi-finals in both cases.
“It’s been a pleasure to coach such a young group who take everything in,” Borg said. “A great club to coach.”
Epping has won in the first week of finals in all three years in third division. The Blues only get a six-day break before taking on old foe South Morang in the preliminary final at the Whittlesea Showgrounds.
Final scores: Epping 7.10 (52) def St Mary’s 6.10 (46)
