SOUTH Morang and Reservoir recorded convincing wins in Round 6 action of Division 3 football, while Epping was also a winner resuming from the bye.
Reservoir moved into the top four with a big win over Heidelberg West at Heidelberg Park. It was a tight game in the first half – with the Mustangs leading by a solitary point at the main break.
From then on, it was all Reservoir as a ten-goal to one second half gave it a 57-point win.
The Mustangs had a plethora of forward options – with Toby O’Meara, Kelsey Clayton, Kent Beaumont and Ash Flavel all scoring multiple goals.
Guneyt Ozusen has missed a few games this year, but really hit his straps for the Mustangs. And despite getting on in years, Cameron Rooney keeps on keeping on and was among his team’s best yet again.
Kyl Ewart was best for the Hawks and remained on top of the goal-kicking ladder with six majors. But James Bonnaci – with one straight shot – was their only other goal scorer.
Watsonia dropped from top spot on the ladder to third with a loss at A.K. Lines Reserve to South Morang.
The Lions have now blown a game apart in the second term in consecutive weeks. It was eight-goals to one against St Mary’s in Round 5, then 7.8 to 1.2 against the Saints to take a stranglehold on the game.
Recruits Paul Harrison and Wayne Pavitt scored heavily with seven and four goals respectively. Further afield, Sean Kirby was in excellent form.
Defender turned forward Nathan Groves booted four majors for the Saints, while teammate Ben Weissenfeld was among the best.
The Lions now sit atop the ladder after a percentage-boosting 51-point victory. The Saints have the bye next up before a Round 8 trip to Epping.
Epping journeyed to Beverley Road Reserve for the first time to tackle Banyule in a game that included a 23rd man in each team – James Clark for Banyule and Jordan Cugnetto for Epping.
Coming off the bye, the Blues were jumped early. The Bears went out to an early three-goal lead and held a handy 17-point lead at half time.
But Epping scored 4.7 to 2.3 in the third term to reduce the deficit to a single point at the last break. It drew away to win the close one by 11 points.
Thomas Hughes excelled in the midfield with smart play, while Leigh Judd did well across half back. Lucas Aquilina kept Banyule’s Ryan Byrne to a single goal after Byrne had booted five the previous week against Reservoir.
“We are pleased that we were good enough to get ourselves back into game after poor start,” a relieved Steve Power said.
Luke Giles continued his good form in the midfield for Banyule. Up forward, Devin McDonald kept the Bears in the game with five goals.
The most interesting game in Round 7 action of Division 3 sees Epping travelling to Crispe Park for the second time this year to play Reservoir. The Round 2 match saw the Mustangs cling on for a nail-biting four-point victory.
Reservoir’s win over the Hawks was the first hint that its 2014 form is returning. But Epping also looks to be better now than when the teams met earlier in the season.
Heidelberg West heads off to Whatmough Park to take on St Mary’s. The Burra come off the bye and have the chance to climb back into the top four – depending on other results.
The Hawks defeated the Burra twice in 2014 at Whatmough Park and may see this game as a chance to register their first win.
Banyule ventures to Mill Park Lakes Reserve for the first time to meet South Morang.
The Lions are now ladder leaders on percentage and will be chock full of confidence for this tussle. Nick Johnston is due back from suspension and their recruits are firing.
The Bears are 1-4, but still have a percentage of 102.64 after being a winning chance in the final term in every game. An upset win would put them right back in the race for the finals.
Adding spice to the competition is that fact that most teams have struggled to get all their best players on the park at the same time.
As vital players begin filtering back into the various teams, it will be interesting to see how the ladder takes shape.
