THERE are no gimme games in Division 3, as Round 5 action proved once again.
Exemplifying the tightness of the contest was the battle between unbeaten Watsonia and winless Heidelberg West at A.K. Lines Reserve.
The Hawks led by a point at half time and had increased that to a nine-point lead at the final change. But the Saints finished with a head full of steam – kicking 5.9 to 1.3 in the final term to win running away by 21 points.
“You need to play four quarters of footy to get the four points. Today we played a half of footy,” Watsonia coach Corey McCall said.
What saved his side on the day was opponent Heidelberg West also played in patches. The Hawks moved the ball very well at times and won lots of contested footy. But their poor output in the final term cost them any chance of a win.
Up forward, Kyl Ewart booted four majors to draw level with Epping’s Chris Chilcott on the goal kicking ladder, with 17 goals. Captain Dan Bailey played his best game for the year to give his team a chance.
Watsonia captain Matthew Crompton was named in the Saints’ best for the third consecutive week.
Reservoir, like the previous week against St Mary’s, found itself defending grimly in the final term at Crispe Park – this time against Banyule.
The Mustangs had led all day after having first use of the breeze. They appeared to have a match-winning lead late in the third term, but the Bears booted the last two goals of the quarter to reduce the margin to 23 points.
Banyule challenged strongly when coming home with the breeze, but failed by a solitary goal. In retrospect, the Bears’ wasteful first half – when they booted 4.8 – didn’t help.
Despite the loss, coach Jason Plant was able to see the positives. “I’m proud of way the boys fought it out,” he said. “The way we came home should give us a lot of belief for the coming rounds.”
Ex-Panton Hill player Ryan Byrne starred up forward with five goals for the Bears, while Stephen Tindale gave them plenty of penetration from the wing. Jason Dal Santo was a stand-out for the Mustangs and is having a great season. Defender Ben Meroli was switched to centre-half-forward and excelled – finishing with two majors.
“I’m happy that our defence is holding teams to low scores,” Reservoir coach Ross Terranova noted.
South Morang came off the bye and produced a brilliant second quarter to down St Mary’s at Mill Park Lakes Reserve. The eight-goal to nil term with a strong wind took them to a 22-point half time lead. They eventually ran out winners by 23 points in a fiercely contested encounter.
Paul Harrison proved a vital focal point for the Lions with four goals, while Lachlan Potter kicked three for the Burra.
St Mary’s goes to the bye at 2-3 before hosting Heidelberg West at Whatmough Park.
Round 6 action in Division 3 sees Watsonia, Epping and South Morang all with chances to lead the ladder at the end of the round.
A rejuvenated South Morang travels to A.K. Lines Reserve to tackle unbeaten Watsonia in the Division 3 match of the day. The Lions will still be without running forward Nick Johnston – courtesy of three-match suspension received against Heidelberg West in Round 2.
The Saints scored an upset win over the Lions in Round 1 last season, then South Morang won the next three encounters – including the first semi final.
Epping comes off the bye and travels to Beverley Road Reserve to play Banyule.
The Bears would be disappointed with their 1-3 record following their big win over Heidelberg West in Round 1. But their losses have not been huge and their percentage is still healthy at 106.63.
Depending on other results, Banyule could climb into the top four with a win while, conversely, Epping could claim top spot on the ladder with victory.
Reservoir will be looking to register back to back wins for the first time in 2015 and consolidate its spot in the top four with a trip to play Heidelberg West at Heidelberg Park.
The Mustangs recorded three big wins over the Hawks in 2014 – the most recent by a whopping 162 points at Crispe Park in Round 17. This weekend’s clash should produce a much closer result.
