Burra jump into top four


Published on Sunday, May 21, 2017

Author : Doug Long

St Mary’s moved into the top four for the first time in 2017 with an impressive win over Heidelberg West at Heidelberg Park.

After beginning the year with two losses, the Burra now have their season on track at 3-2 and currently sit in third spot on the Heidelberg Golf Club Division 3 ladder.

Indeed, they went within a whisker of beginning the season at 0-3. But their come-from-behind win over Mernda in Round 4 kick-started their season.

St Mary’s dominated all day during the 16.14 (110) to 7.5 (47) win, but were not able to shake off the Hawks’ challenge until early in the last stanza.

They won every quarter and put the foot flat to the floor in the final term – kicking three goals to nil in the first five minutes to establish an unassailable 46-point lead – and then went on to a 63-point win.

Their defence has been outstanding all season and was clearly on top in this battle. Deep in defence, Leigh Sullivan was solid with numerous intercept marks.

St Mary’s half backs Sam Mitrovski and Jake Dambrauskas gave the team plenty of run. Mitrovski forced his way into the team after showing great form in the reserves.

In the midfield, Joel Buckley was excellent in the clinches and he was ably assisted by Dillan Ronalds and Michael Costanzo. James Boarotto also had a big day. Costanzo’s form was a bonus after he had missed a lot of football over the past year.

Up forward, the Burra had five multiple goal kickers. Matthew Patti topped the list with three.

“We are getting stronger week by week,” St Mary’s coach Con Borg said.

“We have introduced a number of new players and have had a tough draw. It has taken a bit of time but it is clicking into place now.”

Heidelberg West slipped to fifth on the ladder after the loss. While it is still in touch with the four, it appears it will need to find another gear if it is to make finals in 2017.

However, with seven recruits in the senior team on the day, further improvement is expected throughout the year.

“We showed in patches that we can match it with the best sides,” Heidelberg West coach Gary Cutler said. “We need to keep working”.

Kane Moore was his best performer – playing deep in defence and constantly repelling attacks. Justin Bentley was a handy player and spent time in the ruck late in the game as Cutler swung the changes.

Brad Moore came back to the Hawks after playing with Bundoora early in 2017. He worked his way into the game well.

Harley Mozdzierz provided the highlight of the day when he took a hanger late in the day and converted the shot from close range.

St Mary’s will look to consolidate its spot on the ladder when hosting Kilmore at Whatmough Park in Round 7.

The byes and breaks have proved to be a challenge in the first half of the season in Heidelberg Golf Club Division 3.

Heidelberg West had not played since April 29 – having had a bye before the representative game last week. The Hawks next travel to Epping Recreation Reserve to face the fourth-placed Blues, who themselves will be first up for three weeks.

Final scores: Heidelberg West 7.5 (47) def by St Mary’s 16.14 (110)

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