The Courier |
A DEPLETED Sunbury side did on Saturday what no other team has done since 2009 defeated Redan on its home turf.
REDAN 12.12 (84)
SUNBURY 15.9 (99)
In the highly anticipated Ballarat Football League grand final rematch, the Eastern Lions overcame a one-goal deficit halfway through the final term to power its way to a 15-point victory.
A blustery affair at Mars City Oval saw Sunbury eventually win 15.9 (99) to Redan's 12.12 (84).
In a see-sawing match, Sunbury had at one stage kicked six of the eight goals in the last quarter to lead by 22 points.
Redan kicked two quick goals through Dean Chester in a last-ditch comeback effort but, when Jordan Baumgartner goaled for Sunbury in the dying moments, the game was done and dusted.
Sunbury coach Rick Horwood said the win was in the top three home-and-away wins he had been a part of at the club.
With seven premiership players missing from the line-up, it was left to seasoned campaigners like Jay Cheep, Pat Cariss and even new recruit Andrew Duhau to steer the ship.
And steer the ship they did.
"You've got to be led by your leaders in games like that and I think the guys did that so well," Horwood said.
"When you've got two first-gamers, another in his second game, it's really important for the senior guys to step up.
"There wouldn't be too many teams come to City Oval and walk away with four points."
For Redan, ruckman Brett Dickinson continued his good early season form against the dominant Cariss, while the two Matthews brothers (Joel and Dean) provided rebound from half-back.
Tough midfielder Ryan Waight didn't play a role after half time, forced off the ground with a calf niggle.
Jarrod Edwards was also effective in patches, although coach Eammon Gill admitted the four-time Henderson medallist was not fully match fit.
"We didn't take the most of our chances, especially early on.
"That is something we will work on," he said.
"Their (Sunbury's) skills were a lot more efficient than ours, I'm not sure why. Maybe it was because they have played that extra game.
"We can take a lot out of it though.
"Our young guys are starting to step up and get some quality games under their belt."
Before Saturday, the last side to beat Redan at home, apart from Sunbury in 2011, was Darley back in 2009.
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