ST MARY’S outlasted a fast-finishing Heidelberg West at Whatmough Park in Round 7 action of Division 3 football.
Before the game, there was a minute’s silence for Grant Reinke – Derek Shaw’s assistant coach at Heidelberg West – who tragically passed away during the week. Reserves players of each team stood side by side with their senior team mates for the tribute.
The Burra gained the ascendency with eight unanswered goals either side of quarter time to move out to a huge 37-point lead.
Matthew Patti was playing in defence, but booted two goals in the first half when drifting forward.
During this period of Burra dominance, they were regularly winning the ball in defensive 50 and moving it the length of the ground to create scoring opportunities.
But a Kyl Ewart goal after the half time siren gave the visitors a glimmer of hope.
The Hawks began the third term 30 points down, but kicked the first four of the third term within eight minutes. Three of these came from Casey Brown – who had moved forward after playing midfield in the first half.
His third goal for the term narrowed the margin to a mere four points. They could have led at that stage, but had missed some easy chances.
But then Daniel Dober kicked consecutive goals for St Mary’s to steady the ship. He finished with three for the game and also spent some time in the ruck.
But the Hawks weren’t done with. Casey Brown kicked his fourth for the quarter from the goal square and then James Bonnaci snared the goal of the match with an amazing snap from deep in the pocket.
Once more, the Burra responded and finished off the term with the final four majors. Jarrod Bunker had been productive in the term and kicked the last one from a set shot on the siren.
It seemed likely that St Mary’s could run away with the game in the final stanza.
Coach Con Borg urged his players to get the ball into forward 50 quickly and score the first goal or two of the final term.
“We can do it,” was Derek Shaw’s message to his Hawks.
Heidelberg West looked the better team in the final term and persisted. Casey Brown kicked his fifth goal for the match after a downfield free.
Daniel Bailey had been closely watched by Zac Johnston on the day, but managed a goal after a 50 metre penalty.
Aidan Young took a big contested mark soon after and his conversion reduced the margin to seven points with ten minutes to go.
Lachlan Potter then stepped up for the Burra and ran into an open goal for his fifth of the day.
Despite this being their only final term major, it was enough to seal the deal – and they eventually ran out winners by eight points.
Once more, the Hawks had gone close to winning without succeeding. It was a tough and emotional day for the whole club.
“The effort was there today,” Hawks coach Shaw said. “We let ourselves down in the first half and some of our finishing needs to be better.”
After losing twice at home to the Hawks in 2014, Burra coach Borg looked glad to earn the four points.
“It was a relief to get away with a win against a side that matches up well against us,” he said.
Coincidentally, the reserves match was almost a carbon copy of the seniors – with the Hawks coming from 29 points down at the final change to go down narrowly to St Mary’s 90 to 91.
Heidelberg West now goes to the bye before a home game against Banyule, while St Mary’s will host ladder-leader South Morang this week.
Final scores: St Mary’s 15.9 (99) def Heidelberg West 13.13 (91)
