Burra get overdue ‘reward for effort’ with strong win

SEBASTOPOL coach Tony Lockyer says an impressive win over Lake Wendouree will provide the Burra with a boost of momentum as they head into a tough stretch of the season.

The Burra got themselves on the board with a convincing 19.12 (126) to 8.10 (58) victory.

It followed a near miss the week before in a two-point loss to Redan and patches of great football in honourable losses to East Point, Ballarat and reigning premier Melton in the opening three rounds.

Lockyer said a 68-point win was due reward for effort through the first five rounds.

“We’ve had some good patches of footy, but it’s nice for the boys to get some belief in what they are doing,” he said.

“It certainly gives us confidence that we can go on and continue to be competitive.

“We probably cost ourselves early against Redan and could have had the game in a different position just after half-time, but we didn’t execute like we wanted to. We’ve been close in other games as well, so it was just nice to get that one away and build some momentum.

“The competition is so even this year and there still plenty of games to play. I keep reminding the boys there is a lot of footy left.”

One of the most pleasing aspects of the win for Lockyer, who has been sidelined since breaking his arm against Melton in round three, was his side’s blistering six-goals-to-nil opening quarter.

They rammed home their advantage by kicking the opening couple of goals of the second quarter.

A lengthy best players list featured midfielder Dan Widgerey, forward Cooper Littlehales (who finished with five goals), Ash Munari (three goals), Toby Hutt (two goals), Hugo Papst, who alternated between midfield and forward and finished with three goals, and recruit Gedd Hommelhoff.

Lachlan Sheridan was on song early with three opening-quarter goals, before succumbing to an arm injury.

“All the boys did their job,” Lockyer said.

“When you have wins like that, everyone contributes.”

Having blooded plenty of youngsters already this season, Sebastopol introduced two more first-gamers on Saturday, with Callum Stewart and Wylie Anderson earning a call-up.

Lockyer said both had acquitted themselves exceptionally well, albeit in Anderson’s case, his debut proving slightly bittersweet.

“Cal Stewart played as a small defender and did his role really well and grew with confidence as the game went on,” he said.

“Wylie Anderson has missed the last couple of years with some knee issues but was a really talented junior.

“He had an outstanding game on the wing, but he unfortunately got concussed late in the game.

“It was a sad end to his day, but he’s doing OK.”

Anderson will miss at least the next two games through concussion protocols.

Lockyer said he hoped his players would take plenty of confidence out of the win, particularly with Darley (second), Sunbury (third) and Bacchus Marsh (fifth) up next for the Burra.

“It’s a tough patch – those three teams are all going well,” he said.

“But we’re keen to knock off at least one of those scalps.

“Sunbury have started the season in great form, as have Bacchus Marsh – they’ve taken some steps forward – and Darley we know are all class.

“It’s a really quality league at the moment.”

Round 5 recap:

Sunbury 16.7 (103) def East Point 8.10 (58); North Ballarat 10.9 (69) lost to Bacchus Marsh 12.12 (84); Darley 12.10 (82) def Ballarat 4.8 (32); Sebastopol 19.12 (126) def Lake Wendouree 8.10 (58); Redan 6.13 (49) lost to Melton 14.18 (102).

Round 6 draw:

Sebastopol v Darley; Bacchus Marsh v Ballarat; Redan v North Ballarat; Lake Wendouree v Sunbury; East Point v Melton.