St Mary’s clinched a vital win in a four-point nail-biter over Mernda at Waterview Recreation Reserve in Round 4 of Heidelberg Golf Club Division 3.
The 10.8 (68) to 9.10 (64) win was set up in a dominant first term as Daniel Dober booted three of his four for the Burra. His team was dominant on the spread early on – regularly punishing the Demons for poor disposal.
Mernda’s sole major in the opening quarter was a terrific running goal by Matthew Golledge.
St Mary’s scored the only goal of the second term two minutes in to open up a game-high 26-point lead. The Demons then took control in general play but were unable to capitalise on their work in a scrappy affair.
Mernda lifted its intensity after the main break as they strove for a win in Les Adams’ 200th game. Their defence began to get on top, led by Christian Cawsey.
At the other end, the Demons suddenly had multiple avenues to goal. Golledge was a fine link man and also kicked his second goal, while Ian Fulton, Matthew Campbell and Daniel Bryant all hit the scoreboard.
St Mary’s managed to keep a bit of distance between themselves and their opponents by punishing opposition errors.
Dober hit the post from close in, but then Mernda turned the ball over just outside 50 on the kick-out. James Boarotto got on the end of the subsequent chain of possession to kick a nice running goal.
Dober booted his fourth for the day courtesy of a 50-metre penalty which took him to the line.
But the Demons were building momentum and coach Steve Power encouraged his team at the last break – assuring them that they could erase the 13-point deficit.
Nathan Thomas was looking dangerous for Mernda and booted two last-term goals. Daniel Bryant’s second goal was a ripper. He kicked it from 35m out right on the boundary to give his team the lead for the first time.
The momentum was all with the home team as they had booted 3.3 to nil in the first part of the final term.
But Joel Buckley – more noted as an inside midfielder – booted a great goal from 45m out on the boundary. It sparked a Burra revival and they slammed on another two to establish a 10-point lead late in the game.
Thomas’ second goal put the Demons within a kick of victory late in the contest. His side attacked again, but another assault on goal was thwarted when they turned the ball over at half forward moments before the siren blowing.
With both benches down multiple players late, the players looked totally spent at the end of the tussle.
“This win is something to build the season on,” a relieved St Mary’s coach Con Borg said after narrowly avoiding a 0-3 start to the season.
“The team showed a lot of character to lead all day and then fight back late to regain the lead and win.”
Dillan Ronalds did well in midfield for the Burra and was ably assisted by Bart Walsh.
“You can’t kick one goal in a half and expect to get up,” lamented Mernda coach Steve Power after the game. “But I was happy with the way we fought it out”.
Mernda faces a critical match against Power’s old team Epping in Round 5 at Epping Recreation Reserve. St Mary’s hosts Laurimar at Whatmough Park as it endeavours to get its season back on track.
Final scores: Mernda 9.10 (64) def by St Mary’s 10.8 (68)
