MOUNT Burr will head to Glencoe this weekend in search of a record fourth consecutive premiership flag following its 38-point gritty win over Kalangadoo in the Mid South East Football League (MSEFL) preliminary final at Nangwarry on Saturday.
After registering a behind to open the scoring, the lacklustre Magpies were steamrolled by the pumped Mozzies in a one-sided contest.
The reigning and minor premiers will now play Robe in the season decider to see which club takes home the coveted Wilf Sprengel premiership shield.
It was a miserable day for the Magpies as they did not post a goal until well into the third term.
Their tally of 2.10 was its lowest for several seasons and one of the smallest preliminary final totals in MSEFL history, which dates back to 1936.
With just one match in the space of 21 days, it was thought the Magpies’ fresher legs could have easily taken them to victory in the penultimate game of 2018, playing on one of the best wet-weather ovals in the competition.
An ounce of luck came at the choice of ends when Mount Burr skipper Brodie Hennink lost the toss for the second consecutive week.
Kalangadoo captain Brad Auld had little hesitation in sending his team to the southern end which was favoured by a three goal breeze.
The 32 minutes of football proved to be an arm wrestle with only five scoring shots.
Mount Burr won the term as it did not concede a goal but managed one through James Wallis at the 15 minute mark.
He had been on the end of a pass from his coach Tom Renzi and his set shot came from around 30m.
Kalangadoo suffered a cruel blow midway through the first term when key forward Lachy Jones sustained a suspected broken ankle on the scoreboard flank.
Play was delayed for a few minutes while he left the playing arena and he remained on the bench for the rest of the day,
The second proved to be the so-called “premiership quarter” when Mount Burr slammed on four goals while conceding just one behind.
Jack Gregory found his way past the Magpie defenders on two occasions to score six-pointers while goals also came from Dylan Ridley and Kayle Gordon.
The green-and-golds took a 27-point lead into the long break and looked secure as the grey clouds above darkened.
Kalangadoo coach Chris Mules finally registered a goal early in the third term which was met by a Bronx cheer from sections of the crowd.
Team mate Ben Gregory goaled soon after to give some impetus to the black-and-whites.
However, the Mozzies tightened their defence and Jack Gregory was sent back to strengthen the last line.
With a lead of 19 points and the breeze at their backs, Mount Burr coach Tom Renzi was not resting on his laurels.
In his three-quarter time address, Renzi commended his team for their second and third efforts which he described as excellent.
Renzi said his team needed to slow down the tempo of the game.
“If in doubt, go down the lines and bring the ball to ground,” Renzi said.
“Do not turn it over.
“We have to have mature and level heads.”
His side listened to his words and played steady footy thereafter.
When Taylor Redden booted a long goal for Mount Burr at the five minute mark, it was a lost cause for Kalangadoo.
Speaking to The Border Watch after the game, Renzi agreed winning the first term was crucial.
“We broke it down quarter-by-quarter,” Renzi said.
“Winning the first quarter was a good stepping stone.”
Spectators turned up in their droves with over $13,400 paid at the gate, with total for the three finals to date amounting to almost $40,000.
The game had to compete with the Western Border grand finals played only 30km away in Mount Gambier.
Nangwarry Football Club secretary praised the 45 club volunteers who helped with catering, gate-keeping and other staging chores.
He acknowledged the efforts of Wattle Range Council and club volunteers Larry Flamank, Dion Dinnison, David Perry and Geoff Mills for preparing the oval and surrounds.
Only one of the teams had made a selection surprise coming into the match.
A change was forced on Kalangadoo with newcomer Matthew Arthurson recalled to A Grade after Dallas Jeffree was unavailable.
The focus of the MSEFL turns to Glencoe tomorrow night when the umpires hold their final weekly training session for 2018.
The Border Watch will publish a souvenir lift out on Thursday which will cover the Mid South East’s four football grades and seven netball grades.
