With the majority of the ground covered in mud, conditions were tough for both sides but Hurstbridge was able to take advantage of a dismal South Morang side to emerge with the 8.12 (60) to 4.11 (35) win.
Jack Donnelly starred up, forward kicking three goals for the winning side, with singles going to Mitchell Thompson, Brent Hay, Ben Fennell, Joshua Saw and Tom Grimes.
For South Morang, Mathew Pow was the shining light up forward, kicking two goals, while Nicholas Johnston and Luke Manning were the only other goal scorers for the host.
The Lions looked to regain the form it displayed over the final three quarters last week which enabled them come within 10 points of Lalor, but Hurstbridge had other ideas – keeping them to just one point in the first term whilst Donnelly was able to slot two of his three goals.
Hurstbridge’s 16-point lead at the first change could have been greater, but for a wasteful 2.5 in front of the big sticks.
In the second quarter, South Morang was finally able to kick its first goal through Pow. That was the only major score the Lions were able to register in the first half, while Hurstbridge was able to kick another two to take a 21-point lead going into the long break.
With rain still coming down in spurts, the ground became increasingly slippery after the main break and made clean possessions extremely hard to come by.
South Morang was held to just two points in the third term and looked depleted going into the last quarter, with Hurstbridge managing the only goal for the term to take a 28-point buffer into the final change.
With so much at stake, both teams found a new gear in the final term as the intensity lifted a notch.
But no matter what South Morang did, Hurstbridge always had the response and three goals apiece for the quarter gave the Bridges their second win on the ground for the season, with Ben Fennell and Josh Saw’s drive and determination throughout the afternoon the catalyst for the victory.
Next week, in the final game of the home and away season, South Morang is back at home to host Thomastown who suffered a disappointing 124-point loss to North Heidelberg on Saturday. The winner of the clash will assure their place in Division 2 next season, while the loser is left in a perilous situation.
Hurstbridge must cause a major upset when it faces fourth-placed Fitzroy Stars, who it came within three points of when they met at Coburg City Oval in Round 11. If the Bridges can claim a victory they should avoid relegation at the expense of either the Lions or Bears.
Final score: South Morang 4.11 (35) def by Hurstbridge 8.12 (60)
