A clinical St Mary’s outfit began their 2024 MC Labour Division 2 campaign with a valuable 21-point victory, defeating Watsonia at Binnak Park.

In what was a very contested game, the Burra’s ability to convert their chances in front of goal was the difference, as despite the Saints having arguably just as many opportunities inside 50, they would find themselves on the wrong end of the 10.8 (68) to 6.11 (47) result.

Coming off an impressive 47-goal campaign in 2023, Jeremiah Antypas led the way for the visitors with four majors, while new recruit John Desmond also impressed with his efficient kicking inside 50.

Austin Sinclair would produce a similar role for the Saints, while in his Watsonia debut, Ethan Lowe was his side’s only multiple goalkicker, scoring two majors.

The Saints started the game well and were able to control the ball for majority of the quarter.

But their failure to convert great chances in front of goal prevented what could have been a dream start for the hosts, as they kicked four behinds before Daniel Annetta got their first goal of the season.

Both teams applied fantastic pressure from the very start, making goals hard to come by, but a brilliant chase down tackle from reigning Division 2 best and fairest Tane Cotter in the middle of the ground forced a turnover, with Desmond then nailing an extraordinary kick to Antypas which opened the scoring for St Mary’s.

Desmond himself was able to find the big sticks moments later, which gave the Burra the momentum going into quarter time with a 14-point lead intact.

The second quarter began much like the first, with Watsonia again dictating the contest, and just as similarly, were unable to convert their dominance on the scoreboard.

Their only reward of the term would come from Lowe, who kicked his first goal for his new club by nailing a set shot just inside 50.

The pressure from the opening quarter was maintained by both teams in the second, causing plenty of turnovers and some great intercept marking at both ends.

It would be the visitors who got better as the term went on and were able to extend their lead to 20 points at half time as a result.

Minimal inside 50’s were produced in the first 10 minutes of the second half due to the highly contested nature of the game.

In what was the story of the afternoon, the hosts won the inside 50 count 16-8 in the third quarter, but the Burra’s brilliant defence withstood the pressure and only conceded two goals for the quarter, which they were able to match in their front half.

The 19-point margin the Burra held at three quarter time was cut down to 13 within the first minute of the final term, thanks to a brilliant bit of crumbing from new recruit Luke Pantalone who was able to kick a classy goal from roughly 40 metres out.

However, St Mary’s were able to reply almost immediately through co-captain Nicholas Dean who converted his set shot from straight in front.

The game was more open and free flowing in the last quarter, and while St Mary’s had more possession during the term, they missed a few opportunities to put their opponents out of the game as they approached time on.

Watsonia had a golden chance to reduce the margin to seven points late in the match, but with a bit of bad luck from a poor bounce and some fantastic defence from the Burra, a shot on goal never eventuated.

Dean lead from the front in the final term for St Mary’s, highlighted by a strong marking display inside 50. One of his set shots for the quarter landed in the lap of Antypas who’s fourth goal of the afternoon sealed his side’s triumph.

The Burra ended the game 21-point winners and victorious coach Fabian Carelli was pleased with his players when they were able to execute their plan of getting the ball deep inside 50 and having high percentage looks at goal.

By Jack Ryan