EPPING claimed its eighth-straight win in Heidelberg Golf Club Division 3, edging out South Morang by two points at Epping Recreation Reserve.
The Blues had to overcome a third quarter lapse to record the 11.14 (80) to 12.6 (78) win in Round 12.
Having now beaten all rivals in the competition, the Blues remain a win and percentage clear atop the ladder.
South Morang slipped to fifth place, a game outside the top four, but proved it is a genuine premiership contender if it can claim a finals berth.
The game looked in the home side’s keeping when goals Kevin Kiernan and Aaron Willitts early in the third quarter saw it race out to a 34-point lead.
However South Morang rallied and booted seven of the last eight goals in the third term to push within two points at three-quarter time.
Wayne Pavitt’s third major early in the last quarter gave the Lions the lead for the first time since early in the first quarter.
But just as the visitors looked like running away with the match, Epping managed to wrestle back momentum and claimed a thrilling win with two of the last three goals of the match.
Jason Stavely booted the final goal of the match at the 16-minute mark of the fourth quarter, with the Blues able to cling on to their slim lead in an enthralling final ten minutes.
Epping skipper Josh Stavley was instrumental in the victory, winning plenty of the football and throwing his body into every contest. He also booted two goals – including his side’s first in the last quarter.
Willitts booted a match-high four goals to move equal with Kane Maghamez at the top of the goal kicking table.
Willitts was the most dangerous forward on the ground, taking many strong marks around the ground.
He could have finished with as many as eight goals, but his usually reliable set shot kicking deserted him at times throughout the day.
The Blues received good service from youngsters Corey Middleton and Jason Stavely, while Lucas Aquilina had a good battle with Pavitt and offered dash out of the backline.
Thomas Hughes was industrious through the midfield and lifted as the game went on. This helped the Blues cover for the loss of Leigh Judd in the second half.
Michael Robertson, Peter McMahon and Shane Wood were reliable in defence and kept South Morang’s potent forward line to just 18 scoring shots.
James Mellerick was South Morang’s best off half back, using his pace and foot skills to produce many forays forward. He also put his body on the line in a number of marking contests.
Matt Trim and Luke Shelton both won plenty of the football through the midfield, with Shelton often able to break through packs and distribute the ball out to his teammates.
Maghamez was a key figure in the Lions’ fight back, lifting after half time with three goals.
His best goal came midway through the third term when he unloaded from 50m on the boundary line. He also kicked a clutch goal in the last quarter to hand his side back the lead.
Daniel Watson started the match in defence on Aaron Willitts, but was pushed forward after South Morang managed just three goals to half time.
The shift paid dividends, with Watson booting two goals in a minute to start the Lions’ comeback midway through the third term.
Having won four of its past five matches by margins of two goals or less, Epping heads to Whatmough Park in Round 13 to take on fourth-placed St Mary’s.
South Morang faces an equally tough match when it travels to A.K. Lines Reserve to face third-placed Watsonia.
Final score: Epping 11.14 (80) def South Morang 12.6 (78)
