ST MARY’S has been crowned the Division 3 reserves premiers after producing a final-quarter comeback to defeat South Morang in a nail biter at the Whittlesea Showgrounds.
Trailing by eight points at three quarter time after leading by 20 at half time, the Burra put on a magnificent final-quarter display to win the club’s second football premiership, following its under-19s success in 2014.
The tension was present around the Showgrounds right up until the final kick of the day.
South Morang’s James Mark-Simpson had a shot after the siren to win the match, however he kicked into the man on the mark to give the Burra a dramatic 8.8 (56) to 7.11 (53) win.
The grand finalists had produced some thrillers throughout the whole season and for the fourth time this year, the Burra came back from a three quarter time deficit against the Lions to finish as the victors.
Matthew Galiazzo was a well deserved recipient of the best on ground medal, while Adrian Coco and Jackson Grimble were handy contributors for the premiers.
Travis Vandekolk, Lachlan Buckley and Joe Ferlazzo were impressive for the Lions in defeat.
South Morang was on the front foot as the game got underway. The Lions had plenty of entries inside 50 early on but could only manage three behinds.
The Burra then took advantage of their opponent’s inaccuracy, kicking back to back goals through Frank Tomaras and Coco as they went into quarter time 12 points in front.
St Mary’s was able to carry its momentum from the last 10 minutes of the first term into the second quarter by kicking the first two goals through Galiazzo and James Girolami.
During this period South Morang was untidy when in possession and produced many turnovers, however Joe Ferlazzo was able to convert a free kick to bring the deficit to 20 points at half time.
Just like the beginning of the first quarter, South Morang was on the attack as the third term commenced.
The inside 50 count continued to skyrocket for the Lions, who put the heat on the Burra defenders, but their first three scores were all rushed behinds.
South Morang eventually got reward for its efforts, straightening its kicking at goal to boot four unanswered majors, led by two from Lachlan Buckley.
The Lions looked dangerous in the middle throughout the whole quarter, taking advantage of the Burra’s high turnover count and lack of intensity.
It set up the final quarter to be an excitable one and it most certainly delivered.
South Morang couldn’t have had a more perfect opening minute with Vandekolk kicking his second of the afternoon via a skilful soccer off the ground to put his side ahead by 14 points.
But just as the Lions looked set take the game out of the Burra’s control, Coco stamped his authority on the game.
He led a St Mary’s charge, kicking two of his side’s four consecutive goals, to give the Burra a 10-point lead heading into time on.
South Morang desperately hung in the contest and competition leading goal kicker Nathan Mittica found the big sticks 25 minutes into the final term to spark some hope for the Lions.
Unfortunately Mark-Simpson couldn’t convert his shot after the siren to pinch a victory for the Lions, as St Mary’s held on for a dramatic premiership win.
Final score: St Mary’s 8.8 (56) def South Morang 7.11 (53)
