ST MARY’S ensured the race for a spot in the Heidelberg Golf Division 3 finals will go down to the final round, downing Mernda for the third time this season.
A five-goal second quarter put the Burra in a comfortable position and they never looked back, claiming a 14.12 (96) to 9.10 (64) triumph at Waterview Recreation Reserve in Round 17.
South Morang’s win over Epping means the Burra remain in fifth place on the ladder, percentage behind the Lions. However with a home game against Kilmore next week, the Burra remain alive in the finals race.
In turn, the loss for Mernda leaves it in a precarious position. The Demons slipped to third spot on the ladder ahead of a Round 18 clash with South Morang. A loss could see the Demons miss out on the finals, despite sitting in second place at Round 16.
Dillan Ronalds, Myles Guldon and Daniel Dober were among St Mary’s best players in the vital victory, while Luke Drakes, Andrew O’Reilly and Anthony Bradford were best for the home side.
In good football conditions, Shane Derham opened the scoring for St Mary’s in the first term.
Despite some smart plays made by the Burra during the opening quarter, they weren’t able to capitalise on the scoreboard, kicking 1.5 for the term.
Mernda was not able to make the same intelligent choices, turning over the ball on many occasions. Despite this, Luke Drakes was able to open his account to keep the home side in the contest at quarter time.
Mernda coach Jason Ford was less than impressed with his side’s performance, telling his troops during the quarter time address that they lacked effort and contest making and needed to improve in the second quarter.
The Demons were on the front foot as the second term commenced with Jesse Owens-Draper kicking a beautiful running goal to open the scoring.
However that was as good as it got for the home side as the Burra piled on five-straight goals, including two majors to Dillan Ronalds, to extend their lead to 26 points.
Matthew Campbell kicked a late goal late against the run of play to reduce the deficit but the visitors had punished Mernda for their its disposal to lead by 20 points at half time.
The home side suddenly flicked the switch and had a dream start to the third quarter, kicking three quick goals, including another two from Drakes, to level the scores midway through the term.
Matthew Patti and Myles Guldon then responded with crucial goals for the Burra against the run of play.
Andrew O’Reilly pegged one back for the home side before Ronalds and James Boarotto converted to give St Mary’s a 17-point lead at three quarter time.
Burra coach Con Borg was pleased with his side at the three quarter time huddle, commending his players for not dropping their heads after Mernda’s flying start to the third term.
With so much riding on the final result, both teams were desperate for the first goal of the last quarter.
It was St Mary’s who was able to find the critical breakthrough as Jackson Wolczko and Patti both found the big sticks early to extend the Burra’s margin.
Campbell and Josh Delaney got two majors back for Mernda to reduce the margin to three goals heading into time-on.
However late goals from Toby O’Meara and Jake Dambrauskas put the icing on the cake for St Mary’s, who ran out a deserving 32-point winner.
Final scores: Mernda 9.10 (64) def by St Mary’s 14.12 (96)
