By Trevor Jackson
Mount Burr 15.10 (100) d Robe 5.9 (39)
Mount Burr remains well in touch with the top four after its strong performance in Round 8 of Mid South East football on Saturday.
On a day where many games were drenched due to the adverse conditions around the Limestone coast, it was not nearly as bad at Mount Burr, with much of the weather missing the ground.
Still the ball was slippery and as the game progressed legs became heavy but the Mozzies worked hard and chalked up an impressive victory over Robe.
The Mozzies were simply too strong from the outset, despite both sides finding plenty of the ball in the opening term.
Mount Burr led by eight points at the first break but extended that markedly in the second quarter thanks to three goals, while Robe was unable to add a major.
From there it was all about the home side, as the Mozzies simply extended their lead as the game unfolded.
The third term saw a big effort from the home side, with five major scores to blow the game open.
The defensive pressure was such the Roosters failed to kick another goal until the final quarter, where they added a further three but even then, Mount Burr put on another four majors to ice the game.
Kallan Bevan and Hamish Smith kicked four goals each for the victors, while Jack Gregory added two.
As a 15-year-old playing in the senior ranks, Bevan showed his skill after the siren with a long shot from outside 50 the put the final piece of the puzzle together for the victors.
Jack Kelly was a shining light for Robe, with four goals to his name.
Mount Burr coach Reece Duncan said he was happy with the overall result.
“We knew it was going to be tough,” he said.
“From the get-go I was happy we were neck-and-neck with them in the first quarter.
“We stuck to what we talked about pre-game and the last couple of weeks … it has been the same message and we are just putting it into action now which is pleasing as a coach to see.
“Our spectators and supporters have said they can see it all starting to click.”
Defensively the Mozzies were impressive but Duncan noted there was still more to be done to keep up the intensity.
“Overall I was impressed with our first three quarters defensively,” he said.
“I am not one to let things slip so I was pretty disappointed with our last quarter effort.
“Overall I was pleased but there is always something you can do better.
“I think our last quarter defensively we could have done better.”
Duncan was pleased with the skills his players displayed, making a special mention of Bevan’s efforts.
“Kal kicked four and I don’t know if he even kicked a behind,” he said.
“He kicked one after the final siren from 55 metres out and for a 15-year-old kid that’s pretty impressive.
“He capped off his day well, was in the best players and did a lot of good things.
“Hamish kept presenting and Jack Gregory kicked a couple.
“Our forwards keep presenting and doing the right things so as long as you get the ball there, it is all working well.”
Mount Burr now sits just four premiership points out of the top four but Duncan is under no illusions about how tough the task ahead is.
“We have still made it hard for ourselves from the start of the year,” he said.
“We have to stay hungry, keep moving forward, keep wanting those wins and play a desperate brand of football.
“The next one we have is Tantanoola and we certainly won’t take it easy in that one.
“They are still a threat, have played some good football and will be up and about.
“Mount Burr v Tantanoola is always a good match.
“They will definitely bring it, so we have to bring it too.”
Duncan also made mention of the interleague selections from the club.
“I am pleased with the guys we have had named for the interleague squad,” he said.
“We have the regulars in Josh Wallis, Josh Fiebig and Sam Wallis.
“But for our young blokes Jack Muhovics and Will Bowering to get a nod was impressive.
“It is very pleasing.”
