St Mary’s claims its inaugural NFL Division 2 victory after overpowering Epping on Saturday

Newly promoted St Mary’s is on the board in 2019 after claiming its maiden NFL Division 2 victory on Saturday, overpowering Epping at Whatmough Park to move off the bottom of the ladder.

Jordan Galea in action for St Mary’s. Picture: Hamish Blair

St Mary’s is on the board in 2019 after claiming its maiden NFL Division 2 victory on Saturday.

Promoted after winning the Division 3 premiership last year, the Burra lost their opening four games of the season but were too good for Epping, 14.13 (97) to 9.12 (66), at Whatmough Park.

DIV 1: BOROUGH HEAP MORE MISERY ON ROOSTERS

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DIV 3: INJURIES CAN’T STOP SOUTH MORANG WIN

The 31-point victory moves St Mary’s off the bottom of the ladder and leaves Epping winless entering the inter-league bye.

Burra coach Fabian Carelli said his team had improved each week and the win gave the players confidence they belonged at the higher level.

“The day started off well for us with the under-19s and reserves both winning their games,” he said.

Mitch Hocking in action for St Mary’s last year.

“For us to get a win after playing so well last week against Whittlesea — outplaying them in patches and we probably should have come away with a result — was really pleasing and a bit of joy for the players.

“We had two pretty bad losses to Thomastown and Banyule, we were competitive against Watsonia and then Whittlesea last week we played a good brand of footy, which gave the boys the belief.”

St Mary’s started strongly, taking a 19-point lead into quarter time, but Epping hit back with five goals in the second term to narrow the margin to just six at half-time.

However, it was all Burra after the main break with Rhys Rigoni a standout in midfield before a serious shoulder injury in the last quarter.

Carelli was also pleased with the return of veterans Chris Petroro and Myles Guldon to help stabilise his young team.

“Rhys is a under-19s kid in his third game for us I thought he had a breakout game but unfortunately he got injured in the last quarter,” he said.

St Mary’s coach Fabian Carelli talks to his players.

“He’s a midfielder who’s still got a fair bit of growing to do. He’s really clean around the contest and kicked a couple of goals.

“The addition of Chris Petroro and Myles Guldon has really helped settle the side with their experience.

“We’ve been fairly young, the majority of the team under 21, so adding Myles and Chris has given us more maturity around the ball and in the forward line.”

Guldon has kicked three goals in his two games this season while Daniel Castagnini was prolific off half-back.

The Burra have the next fortnight off with the inter-league bye and league bye back-to-back before returning to action away to Diamond Creek on June 1.

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