HORSHAM has cruised into a mouth-watering semi-final clash with Horsham Saints after an emphatic 37-point triumph against Minyip-Murtoa in Saturday's Wimmera Football League qualifying final.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
In what was a breezy afternoon at Ararat's Alexandra Oval, the Demons were on from the outset, making use of the wind advantage in the first term to set up a 37-point quarter-time lead.
The Burras did not panic at the first change and were hopeful of a second-quarter revival when they had their turn kicking to the northern end of the ground.
But it was the opposite that eventuated.
Horsham continued to get its hands on the football first, using the ball beautifully through midfield and out of its defence.
A six-goal-to-one second term gave the Demons a 67-point half-time advantage, which gave Minyip-Murtoa little hope of a come-from-behind victory.
A further four goals to two in the penultimate term meant Horsham led by 79 at the final change.
The only sour note to a prolific first three quarters was a knee injury to luckless Demon John Wood, who was stretchered off.
Wood was important for the Demons when he was on the ground, kicking a team-high three goals.
Horsham had nine individual goal-scorers and were spoilt for choice going forward.
Ben Lakin and Simon Hobbs were the Demons' best, while captain Jeremy Hartigan and former coach Jordyn Burke both played well.
The eventual 18.9 (117) to 12.8 (80) scoreline flattered Minyip-Murtoa, as the Burras booted seven goals to nothing in the final stanza when the result was beyond doubt.
The Demons were clearly disappointed in their inability to close out the contest, with coach Nick Pekin putting it on his troops to work hard for the entire four quarters when they face the Saints in their next match.
Burras coach Jaye Macumber acknowledged the Demons' impressive display.
"They were definitely on and we did expect them to come out and play," he said.
Macumber said Minyip-Murtoa might have left too much up to the breeze in the second term.
"I don't know if our boys thought the wind would do the job for them in that second quarter or not," he said.
"But we had a lot of boys running ahead of the ball rather than waiting until we had clear possession.
"That was disappointing because something we've prided ourselves on all year is not predicting what's going to happen, but making it happen."
Key defender Warwick Stone was impressive down back for the Burras and competed well when moved into the ruck.
Blake Young provided plenty of dash off half-back, and Lachie Gabbe presented well at times.
Brayden Ison nailed four goals and Kieran Delahunty three, but the majority of those were late in the game.
"We've worked hard this year to earn the double chance," Macumber said.
"We came up against a finals-hardened side and club today and we know they're ready for these contests and they know the gear they've got to get to.
"We need to make sure we get back to playing the footy we know we can play next week."
The Burras will take on the winner of Sunday's elimination final between Ararat and Stawell.
Minyip-Murtoa has lost its most recent matches against both sides.
The Demons now prepare themselves for a well-rested Horsham Saints side in a match that will send the winner through to the grand final.
Horsham's coaching staff did not wish to comment after Saturday's win.