A FORMER Hepburn coach used to say the wet weather doesn't bring the better players back to the field, that if you are any good your skill level will stand out and you will rise above the opposition.

That saying rang true on the weekend as Andy McKay's performance for Hepburn against Newlyn was head and shoulders above anyone else.

His clean ball handling was all class and he inspired Hepburn to a 86-point win in the wet, boggy conditions.

The clever "Hollywood" roamed all over the ground and capped off a fine display with four goals.

The first quarter was played in rain and it made it difficult at first, but Hepburn quickly adapted to the conditions, certainly quicker than Newlyn.

Sam Newton used his strength in the ruck to perfection allowing Beau Ryan and the James brothers to pounce on every opportunity. This set the pattern for the rest of the match.

After half-time Sam Conroy was introduced into the ruck. Conroy revelled in the conditions, his tap work was spot on and he took marks around the ground.

Danny Abbott has returned to form at the right time of the season and his clean skills under pressure stood out. At one stage Abbott took on three opponents and beat them. Later he kicked one of the goals of the season.

Not to be outdone, Dan O'Halloran steered through a reverse check side, bringing the crowd to its feet.

Brendan Shepherd was again unstoppable in the backline, his big frame sometimes daunting as he cleared the ball with relative ease. What the Big Shep didn't get, Garry Byers and Matt Dillon mopped up.

It wasn't until deep into the last quarter that Newlyn was able to register its first goal, once again a fantastic effort by the backline.

The win has now cemented Hepburn top spot and a vital rest in the first week of the finals.

Next week it's the local derby and supporters are being asked to dig into their pockets and support the Call To Arms, which raises money for cancer research.

Score: Hepburn 13-16-94 defeated Newlyn 1-2-8

Goals: A McKay 4, M Peake 2, D Abbott 2, S Newton 1, N Howard 1, D O'Halloran 1, B Ryan 1, C Leehane 1.

Best: A McKay, B Shepherd, D Abbott, B Ryan, C Leehane, M Dillon.