Horsham Saints were relatively untroubled in their reserves premiership defence at Warracknabeal on Saturday.
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On a warm spring day, the Saints looked to have more energy early than Minyip-Murtoa in the reserves decider, jumping out of the blocks much better than the Burras.
The Burras had no answers for Horsham’s flurry in the first term, conceding five goals while failing to kick one of their own.
“Our running game got us going as we got the jump early,” Saints coach Ben Knott said.
“The heat probably suited us a bit better too. We were also able to apply plenty of scoreboard pressure too.”
Things went from bad to worse for Minyip-Murtoa in the second term, with the margin blowing out to an irretrievable 42 points.
The Burras finally managed to impact the scoreboard in the third term, kicking two majors but still unable to prevent the lead from extending to 48 points at the final break.
Knott urged his side to continue to push hard in the final term and they did exactly as their coach ordered.
They ran the game out just as well as they started it, recording back-to-back reserves premierships with a 12.6 (78) to 2.10 (22) victory.
“It was unexpected how much we were able to win by,” Knott said.
“We were conscious of trying to keep the footy out of the air because we know that is their strength. We tried to keep it on the deck and it all fell our way in the end.”
Gage Wright won the medal for best on ground in the decider.
Knott said his whole side contributed to the win.
“Everyone stood up with no passengers,” he said.
“We have got some good young blokes who love running which helps and they had a really good day.”
Knott said it is “pretty exciting” to be back-to-back premiers.
“Hopefully everyone stays together. The club in its entirety has been strong from seniors to juniors so we are seeing the results all round,” he said.
The loss is Minyip-Murtoa’s third in a grand final to the Saints in four years.
More photos to come.
