Burra tough it out for a win

By Mark Gullick
KEYSBOROUGH’S impressive start to the season continued with a thrilling two-point victory over Berwick at Row-ley Allen Reserve on Saturday.
It was an outstanding game of football; tough, physical and quick ball movement.
After an even first term, Berwick snuck ahead on the scoreboard in the second.
They kicked a goal just before half-time to take an 11-point lead into the long break.
Keysborough outscored Berwick 4.6 to 1.1 in the third term to wrestle back control of the match.
“My focus at half-time was a really strong defensive effort and we actually smashed our defensive action targets (in the third quarter),” Keysborough coach Brad Canavan said.
Going into the final term, Keysborough were in front by 12 points as it began drizzling.
Berwick was kicking towards the Cheltenham Road end with the aid of an apparent breeze.
Only three goals were scored in the quarter as Keysborough defended brilliantly and clung onto to win their second match of the year.
“It was a very solid, tough game and a really good battle,” Canavansaid.
“I thought the standard was very high and we were happy to beat one of the flag favourites.
“In the end it was a very gutsy and determined win by us.”
Best players for Keysborough were Tyson King (five goals), Travis Skidmore and Ben Hoskin.
The switch of Luke McGuiness to the half-back was a successful move by Canavan. Will Gayfer had the better of Shane Finlayson and Jason Heath.
Keysborough hosts Hampton Park next week.
“Hampton Park will be formidable,” Canavan said.
“They’re obviously a tough unit. We don’t take any team lightly.
“We’ll have to make sure we get our match-ups right and go in pretty confident next week.”