ST MARY’S moved into the top two of Heidelberg Golf Club Division 3 after a six-goal to two last quarter propelled the Burra to an 18-point win over Mernda in Round 11.
Trailing by nine points at the last change, the Burra’s six-goal burst included four goals in the first seven minutes of the final quarter, ensuring they were able to move past the Demons on the ladder with a 14.12 (96) to 11.12 (78) win.
It was Mernda who appeared on top early, and converted the opening goal in the first two minutes through Josh Delaney. It was a poignant return from Delaney, who seriously injured his neck on the previous occasion the Demons visited Whatmough Park.
The goal stung the Burra into action and Nick Daisley, who was one of their best throughout the day, snapped through a goal to put them on the board.
Toby O’Meara then started to assert himself into the game. In his first St Mary’s game, O’Meara was able to kick two goals in the opening quarter, allowing the Burra to lead by five points at the opening change.
The second quarter was an arm-wrestle – the Burra looked like clearing away at stages, with the likes of Daniel Dober and Jake Johnston getting on the scoreboard, while Dillan Ronalds was dominant around the clinches.
Mernda was able to respond, with Les Adams leading from the front. Adams kicked one of the goals of the day when he tackled a St Mary’s player, picked up his own crumb and delivered a long goal from 55m, allowing the Demons to stay in the game.
St Mary’s led by 11 points at half time, but it was the Demons who made their move in the third quarter, kicking 4.6 to the Burra’s 1.4.
Luke Drakes played his best game of the season and starred in the third quarter, kicking two goals and taking some strong marks.
Bill Samie was also able to kick a classy goal right on the pocket – the young gun impressing yet again, kicking three goals.
With the game on the line, St Mary’s coach Con Borg delivered a three-quarter time spray which yielded immediate dividends.
The Burra kicked four goals in the opening seven minutes of the final quarter – Myles Guldon kicking two important goals with the game on the line, while Ronalds, who shifted forward, was also able to hit the scoreboard and was busy in every St Mary’s foray forward.
Mernda, on the other hand, simply could not get any coherency or run into its game throughout the last quarter.
Finally, O’Meara put the icing on the cake with a great snap goal, putting the Burra four goals clear and securing an important win in the context of their season.
Samie kicked his third right on the siren, but it was merely a consolation goal – the Demons missing a big chance to go two games clear of the pack in second.
Along with Ronalds and Daisley, who were instrumental in midfield, St Mary’s winners included Jarrod Bunker off half-back, Dober and Raygan Tate.
O’Meara kicked four goals, beating both Christian Cawsey and Ian Fulton, while Guldon, Johnston and Dober kicked two goals each.
Mernda’s last quarter was disappointing given the context of what a win would have brought for its top two chances.
Adams led from the front superbly, while David Hutchinson, despite going goalless, was impressive playing a variety of roles. Delaney also played well and 17-year-old Anthony Cardamone was again busy in the coalface.
St Mary’s now has another important game against Watsonia at A.K. Lines Reserve, as it looks to avenge its 44-point loss earlier in the season on its home patch.
As for the Demons, they begin the first of a two-game home stretch when they host Banyule at Waterview Recreational Reserve.
Final score: St Mary’s 14.12 (96) def Mernda 11.12 (78)
