Despite Reservoir offering a strong comeback in the second half, South Morang’s eight-goal second quarter was enough to set up a 25-point win at Mill Park Lakes Reserve in Round 9.
The last time the two sides played, the Mustangs were defeated by 28 points in Round 1. But despite their search for revenge, the visitors were again unable string together four quarters to take home the four points in a 15.9 (99) to 10.14 (74) result.
South Morang moved two games clear on the top of the Division 3 ladder after the win, while Reservoir slipped to fourth position, a game clear of St Mary’s in fifth.
The Mustangs were on the front foot early in the first term. The visitors provided plenty of voice and talk and seemed to be getting a lot of things right.
However, the Mustangs only managed 1.4 during their early burst of dominance, which cost them dearly.
Led by two majors from young gun Aaron D’Angelo, South Morang picked up the pace from its sluggish start, kicking four of the last five goals of the opening term to take a nine-point lead heading into the quarter time break.
Reservoir coach Ross Terranova told his team to stop panicking, to stop worrying about the man and to start getting first to the ball at the quarter time huddle.
But despite Terranova’s orders, the second quarter belonged to South Morang. The home side kicked eight goals and set up some amazing attacking plays, led by D’Angelo from the backline.
Four of those goals came in the final seven minutes of the half as the Lions set up what looked a match-winning lead.
The Mustangs could only manage 2.3 for the term as they headed into half time trailing by 45 points.
In the third quarter, Reservoir was a whole different team as Ashley Flavel, David McGregor and Ben Ryan all kicked majors to reduce the margin. The visitors were dominating the possession count and held the Lions scoreless for the entire term.
The margin could have been trimmed further, however the Mustangs weren’t able to capitalise fully on their dominance, kicking a further four behinds to add to their three majors in the term.
At three quarter time, South Morang still had a lead of 22 points despite a scoreless quarter. Lions coach Craig Lambert urged his troops to “slow down and start playing smart” in the last quarter.
The game was there to be won for both sides in the last quarter and Reservoir kicked a goal in the opening 45 seconds through Marc Defelice to get off to a dream start.
Wayne Pavitt kicked the home side’s first goal since late in the second term after taking a diving mark in the goal square to stretch the margin back to 22.
It was goal for goal in the an entertaining last term, with South Morang slamming the door shut on the win when Matthew Campbell converted from close range at the 16-minute mark.
When the siren sounded, both teams had recorded the same scoring shots, but the Lions were able to kick more accurately to bank another four points.
D’Angelo played another excellent game, providing plenty of options around the ground. He was well supported by Daniel Watson and Mitch Hicks.
Despite only a one-goal game for Paul Harrison, the Division 3 leading goal kicker was able to provide plenty of voice and leadership to his younger teammates.
For the away side, Ash Flavel and Ben Ryan combined for four goals to keep the Mustangs in the contest, while Danny O’Sullivan won plenty of ball through midfield and Michael Mannix was superb in defence.
South Morang will take a well-deserved bye next week as it prepares for a tough battle against Epping in Round 11 at Mill Park Lakes Reserve. Reservoir has a must-win contest this week when it takes on St Mary’s at Whatmough Park.
Final score: South Morang 15.9 (99) def Reservoir 10.14 (74)
