The Courier |
Clunes caused one of the biggest upsets of the CHFL season so far when they beat Hepburn by 17 points.
CLUNES 12.9 (81)
HEPBURN 9.10 (64)
From the outset, it was obvious the Magpies had come to play unlike Hepburn, which looked as though it turned up just to get the job done.
The approach from the two teams was chalk and cheese.
It was only Hepburn's talent that kept noses in front early in the match. As the game wore on, it appeared the Burras expected the Magpies' relentless pressure and gut-run willingness to wear off. They were wrong.
Clunes restricted powerful Hepburn forward Lee Cox's influence superbly. He did get away from his direct opponent in the first half to kick three majors, but in the second half, with the Magpies' pressure, the delivery inside the forward 50m lacked speed and quality.
This allowed the Clunes defence to converge on Cox in packs of three or four, making it nearly impossible for the Burras' match-winner to have an influence.
The ever-reliable Daniel Smith down back helped reduce the bleeding with Clunes attacking frequently.
An even spread of contributors and goal kickers was a catalyst in knocking off Hepburn on its home turf.
Clunes playing coach Justin Johns expressed how sweet the victory was.
"The club's been coming here for years with no success, it's just great to get a win here," Johns said.
"Our endeavour and the way we ran the game out was very pleasing."
Midfielder Jason Hill was particularly lively , notably in the last quarter when he created the spark when Hepburn challenged. Hill also kicked a very important goal from the boundary line that delighted the Clunes fans.
North Ballarat Rooster Jesse Baird, who returned on permit, was also important up forward, providing a target and kicking three goals .
It's a view of many that Hepburn has just done what it has needed to this year, and maybe this is the wake up call the Burras need to really kick-start their season.
A positive for Hepburn was the talent shown from young Mitch McKay.
