EPPING remains the only side to beat South Morang in 2015 after claiming an important 20-point victory at Mill Park Lakes Reserve.
A six-goal first quarter allowed the Blues to take control of the game and to set up a 15.13 (103) to 12.11 (83) win.
The result sees both the Lions and the Blues join Watsonia with a 7-2 record at the conclusion of Round 11, however South Morang remains in top spot due to percentage.
Last time these sides played, back in Round 3, Epping took the four points with a 29-point win. But since then, the Lions had won six games in a row.
The home side again started well early in the first term as Wayne Pavitt opened the scoring from a difficult angle.
Epping then started to control the game. Led by two majors from Christopher Chilcott, the Blues kicked six of the next seven goals as they went into quarter time 22 points in front.
A highlight of the first term was a terrific high mark taken by South Morang young gun Aaron D’Angelo midway through the quarter.
At the quarter time huddle, Epping coach Steve Power said he was impressed with his side, telling them to stick to the game plan and to keep controlling the clearances.
In the second term Epping continued its intensity from the first quarter. Despite Pavitt kicking his second major, the visitors kicked the next two goals from good team play and marking.
With its deficit becoming near insurmountable, the Lions then began to turn up the heat. Pavitt’s third and fourth goals, as well as a Luke Shelton major, put the home side right back into the contest.
But just as South Morang looked to start taking control of the game, Lucas Aquilina, Kevin Kiernan and Shannan Ciavarella all scored crucial goals to extend the Blues lead to 29 points at half time.
It was a low scoring affair in the third term, with just three goals scored between the two sides. Pavitt and D’Angelo scored majors for the Lions to reduce the deficit, both as a result of strong forward pressure.
The Blues could have taken advantage of the low scoring quarter, but could only manage a wayward 1.4, with Chilcott kicking his fourth goal for the game. Nevertheless, Epping went into the three-quarter time break with a 24-point lead.
During the three-quarter time break South Morang coach Craig Lambert said he was disappointed with the Lions “shocking disposal” and their lack of tackling effort. Lambert however still had faith in his side, telling his troops to take the game on in the last quarter.
In the final term the Lions gave everything they could. After Aquilina opened the scoring for Epping with his second major, the home side booted the next four goals to bring the margin down to just five points.
But just as South Morang’s winning streak looked set to continue to a seventh match, goals from Ben Power and Robert Tinsley sealed the game for the Blues.
For Epping, Chilcott was impressive inside the forward 50, kicking four goals, while Leigh Judd was fantastic with his disposal and run throughout the game.
Wayne Pavitt was excellent for the Lions, kicking a match-high six goals and providing plenty of opportunities to keep the scoreboard ticking, while Daniel Watson played another great game and added two majors.
South Morang will look to get back on the winners list in Round 12 hosting the winless Heidelberg West. Meanwhile Epping faces another important game when it takes on St Mary’s at Epping Recreation Reserve.
Final score: South Morang 12.11 (83) def by Epping 15.13 (103)
