MINYIP-MURTOA Burras kept their unbeaten record intact despite a strong challenge from Stawell Warriors in the Wimmera Football League.
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Minyip-Murtoa’s class eventually shone through, but for a moment, supporters from both sides were on the edge of their seats.
The final score was the Burras 13.11 (89) to the Warriors 9.14 (68).
While scoring was slow early, it was Minyip-Murtoa that broke through with the first major.
The crowd didn’t have to wait long before a second sailed through.
Stawell had the majority of the play early, but were unable to capitalise.
Warriors playing coach Brad Thomas set midfielder Cam Kimber a tough task, but a strong attempt at a mark was rewarded with a free kick and Kimber kicked truly.
Stawell took a four-point lead into quarter time, but had the advantage of a three-goal wind in the first term and knew the Burras were coming.
With the scoreboard against them early in the second term, Stawell made several costly turnovers, giving away free kicks, 50-metre penalties and even stepped outside the goal square on the kick in.
The Warriors players put the disappointment of the second term behind them to came out all guns blazing in the third quarter. Tom Taurau led from the front with his attack while Kimber, Aidan Potter and Jackson Dark crashed through packs.
Stawell kicked five goals to one and led by 18 points at the last change.
Minyip-Murtoa were not going to go down without a fight and Caleb Hill kicked the first goal of the final quarter. Hill was gifted a second minutes later after receiving a free kick for a push out. He reduced the margin to six points before Taurau answered for the Warriors. It was goal for goal, but momentum started leaning towards the Burras.
Four late unanswered goals sealed the victory.
Stawell was rattled by the experience and skills of the Minyip-Murtoa side, but for a game of the round it certainly lived up to expectations. Dark worked his way to a best on ground performance for the Warriors while Minyip-Murtoa’s Woody Bucci kicked three goals to be their best.
Minyip-Murtoa coach Jaye Macumber was pleased to take the four points after a physical encounter for both teams.
“We wanted to be challenged and we really had to dig deep,” Macumber said.
“We realised what it takes and there were lessons to be learned from that third quarter. To our credit we stood up when we needed to.”
Macumber praised 17-year-old Fergus Schier, who was the dominant ruck on debut, giving the Burras first use of the football.