RESERVOIR celebrated Ashley Flavel’s 300th game with a runaway 61-point victory over Heidelberg West at Crispe Park in Round 6 action of Division 3.
The Mustangs took control of the match with eight unanswered goals stretching from late in the first quarter until just after half time. They always appeared to have the game in their keeping after establishing a sizeable break in the second term and went on to win 17.5 (107) to 7.4 (46).
Although the Hawks clawed their way back early in the final quarter to get within 20 points, Reservoir reasserted its dominance by slamming on the final seven goals.
Mustang Kent Beaumont was a late inclusion after Toby O’Meara was left out due to a minor injury. The Hawks lost Kevin Caldera, Ryan Gall and John Shanahan – replaced by Tom Griffin, Jordan McColl and Ben Marris.
Despite losing the inside 50 count clearly, Heidelberg West did have enough forward entries to build a competitive total. But the injured Kyl Ewart was sorely missed.
Their high flier Aaron Nelson was comprehensively beaten by Ben Mowlam. In fact, the entire back six for the Mustangs worked together wonderfully well all day.
Heidelberg West appeared determined not to be blown away in the first quarter – as had occurred the previous week against Thomastown.
Despite Reservoir dominating possession in a scrappy first term, the scores were tied at the first change at 1.1 (7) apiece. So the Hawks did manage to be competitive early, but they had failed to capitalise on the scoring end – which yielded 19 of the 24 goals on the afternoon.
Hawk James McLean-Brunton was able to mop up regularly in defence in the first term. But when he filled the hole in defence in the second stanza, the ball often sailed over his head as the Mustangs scored from around the 50 metre arc with the wind at their backs.
Overall, the Heidelberg West defence stood up well. Michael Shanahan proved to be a reliable, one grab mark. When the ball hit the deck in defence, Bradley Moore and Jordan McColl were on the scene to clear the ball out of danger.
Reservoir’s Daniel Couwenberg had the better of the duel with Aidan Young in the first half. Hawk coach Derek Shaw moved Young into the centre in the third term. The move proved briefly successful, with the Hawks kicking three in a row during that term – one from Young himself.
Reservoir had winners all over the park – and their teamwork was a shade better than their opponents. Danny O’Sullivan was rewarded for his tireless work late in the game when Kent Beaumont was awarded a free on the boundary. He passed to O’Sullivan in a more central position for a relatively easy goal.
The contest featured some long goals. Nubbi Bux’s goal from about 50 into the wind at the beginning of the last quarter gave his team a faint hope.
Reservoir’s Brendon Meroli nailed a long bomb goal from outside 50 after using his pace to get into the clear. And Ryan Docherty, in his best game for the Mustangs for some time, slotted another from about 55 metres out.
Mustangs assistant coach Leon Edwards was very pleased with the defence. He noted that his team had a big win, but there was still room for improvement – due to the high number of new faces in the senior team.
Flavel provided plenty of entertainment for the crowd. In between running through a banner at the start of the game and being carried off at the completion, he managed four goals plus he had a stint on the sidelines courtesy of a yellow card.
The club looks to have good depth – with the reserves recording a 140 point victory earlier in the day. And off the field Reservoir’s ‘White Ribbon Day’ function saw a packed house of ladies enjoying the festivities.
The Hawks face their third consecutive road trip next week when they encounter Watsonia at A.K. Lines Reserve, while Reservoir hosts South Morang in another enthralling top-three battle at Crispe Park.
Final score: Reservoir 17.5 (107) def Heidelberg West 7.4 (46)
