St Mary’s have ended South Morang’s four-game winning streak in the MC Labour Division 2 competition, as they convincingly defeated the Lions by 43 points at Whatmough Park to claim a third straight victory of their own.
The Burra led from start to finish after a scintillating four goal to nil first term, holding their form throughout most of the afternoon to finish 13.17 (95) to 7.10 (52) victors.
Gary Hall’s men still stay in third place but are now just one game clear of St Mary’s who are in fourth spot. More importantly for the Burra, they are six points clear in the top five.
Jeremiah Antypas was a standout for Fabian Carelli’s men, kicking three goals for the day, all of those coming in a commanding third quarter.
Nicholas Dean and Vincent Loccisano were also strong in the forward 50, kicking two majors apiece in the first quarter to give the Burra an important early advantage.
Tane Cotter and Joseph Maggio were both impressive in the middle of the ground, especially when the rain started coming down, they allowed their side to maintain possession more often than their opponents despite difficult conditions.
For the Lions, Gary Moorcroft and Jake Potter were their most impactful attackers, kicking two majors each while having an influence up the ground when necessary.
Nathan Stefanile was dangerous as usual, constantly winning hit outs in the ruck while making simple work for his midfielders to win clearances.
Ben Muscat was another highlight for the visitors, applying pressure throughout the match in the defensive end and contributing to multiple inside-50 opportunities for his side.
St Mary’s had the ascendency from the first siren with an impressive four goal to nil opening term. They registered nine scoring shots, and the margin could have been extended had it have been for slightly more accurate goalkicking.
When the Lions tried to get things going, they struggled to make use of any opportunity that presented itself inside their forward 50, with the Burra defenders dominating with intercept marks and constant pressure.
The four goals between Dean and Loccisano helped the home side establish a comfortable 27-point lead at quarter time, leaving South Morang to make up a lot of groundwork to get the game back on their terms.
It could be argued that the second quarter was like the first. The Burra peppered the goals with eight more scoring shots, but this time could only muster one major for their efforts.
After kicking four majors last week, Koby Davies got the momentum swinging back towards the Lions, kicking the side’s first goal for the game.
The rain then started to come down as the pressure increased from both teams, leading to a lot of the game being played in the middle of the ground.
A lot of contested footy and ground ball meant constant stop-starts, with both teams struggling to move the ball fluidly from player to player.
It didn’t stop South Morang from finding four second term goals to reduce the deficit to 13 points at the main break.
The Burra’s Jake Halewood was a stand-out for his side, contributing to a lot of South Morang turnovers in the middle with intercept marks and fierce tackles.
Demetrios Constantinou also impressed for Gary Hall’s men throughout the quarter, defending bravely in the backline but also coming up the ground to make a significant impact on the contested ball in the middle.
Both teams were plagued with inaccuracies in the third quarter, but St Mary’s managed to lift the intensity, maintaining their lead as a result.
Jeremiah Antypas got things going with a goal in just the first few minutes of the second half as they took back control of the match.
The Burra’s ball movement through the middle was a lot more efficient, with a particular play started by Rory Hanlon, and with assistance from Tane Cotter, leading to another brilliant goal by Antypas.
Gary Moorcroft did what he could for the Lions, highlighted by taking a great contested mark inside 50 before converting truly to keep his side in the contest.
But the increased determination from the home team was apparent, winning the third term by two goals to move to a vital 25-point lead at the final change.
South Morang got it back to within three goals after a major from Constantinou, but it would be the Lions’ final major of the game.
Nicholas Daisley would soon respond for the hosts before his side converted three more opportunities to majors to secure win number six for the season and keep their top five spot intact.
