By ADEM SARICAOGLU
BURNSIDE Heights marked its entry into the senior ranks of the Essendon District Football League with a stirring 19-point win over East Sunbury on Saturday.
In a see-sawing battle that pitted the EDFL’s two newest – and to that point – only winless clubs, Shane Rayment’s Bears found a way to get on top in the second half after trailing by 16 points at quarter time.
Six goals to one in the second term restored momentum for the Bears to establish a 20-point half-time buffer, but East Sunbury managed to peg that back to nine by the final change.
In a game that saw Dean Borg kick four goals for Burnside Heights, the Bears came home strongly on their home deck to register their first win as a senior entity.
Coach Rayment told Star afterward of the significance of his side’s historic triumph.
“It was like we won a grand final,” Rayment said.
“There was a little bit more cheer than what you’d normally get for a first-round win from my experience but that just shows how passionate the boys are and how passionate the club is about the trek we’re on.
“The boys stuck to the task and I said to them before the game it wasn’t about the win, it was just about the journey and to enjoy it and to understand it was going to be hard work out there today.
“And it was proven to be the case because East Sunbury certainly didn’t ease up and we had to earn it.”
Simon Paris managed to snare two goals for the Bears and shared best-on honours with Borg.
Also impressive were Stephen Kenrick, Matthew Italiano, Leigh Richardson and Jordan Agnoleto.
Rayment is acutely aware Saturday’s win came against the league’s easy-beats, and was quick to remind his players in the aftermath there remains some massive challenges ahead.
This weekend Burnside Heights will take their first road trip to Roxburgh Park – who handsomely took care of a more-fancied Keilor Park outfit with an impressive 73-point belting.
After that the Bears will face Division Two contenders Moonee Valley and Coburg Districts.
“While the win was fantastic and we’ll enjoy it, we’ll certainly come back next week and get to work on Roxburgh Park,” Rayment said.
“They’re up and about so the boys are going to see the other side of the coin of what football’s about – but we’ll look to be competitive.”
