The ground had a few heavy patches on it, but both teams managed to adapt well to the conditions.
Abe Williams was a late withdrawal for Panton hill and was replaced by Frank Trianta.
Reservoir made four changes from the side that defeated Parkside – losing Andrew Johansen, Justin Murray, Jason Dal Santo and Jason Cousins who were replaced by Ryan Keyes, Kael Beaumont, Owen Kortlang and Brett Lovett.
Panton Hill assigned a number of run with roles. Shannon Darcy-Molloy followed Ryan Docherty; Lachlan Pearson was on Kent Beaumont and then Ashley Flavel.
Kane Gilmore did well on Jarrod Skinner; while the Anthony Bryce versus Cameron Rooney duel on the wing was a highlight.
The Redbacks dominated the first quarter, but could only manage a wasteful 2.10 for the term.
Richard Collins played loose in defence for the Mustangs, while Ryan Docherty repelled many early attacks.
Joffa Byron booted both Redback goals for the quarter. The second was a snap after he gathered the ball on the boundary and baulked an opponent, while Tristan Kreymborg took many contested marks for the Redbacks
Toby O’Meara and Kent Beaumont were looking dangerous for the Mustangs and kicked one apiece.
The second stanza was Reservoir’s best. It won its fair share of ball and won the quarter four goals to two to take a six-point lead into the main break.
Cameron Rooney’s long kick forward was marked between the goal and behind post by Toby O’Meara for a goal, before Rooney followed up soon after with one of his own after running onto a loose ball.
Ryan Byrne put the Redbacks in front late in the quarter after a sequence of play begun by a deft Tristan Kreymborg tap. Kreymborg was clearly the best big man on the ground.
But Byrne was forced off the ground soon after following an accidental knock.
Brett Lovett’s perfect handpass to Ashley Flavel in space for a major gave the Mustangs the lead at the main break.
After half time, Panton Hill tightened up more on Reservoir’s loose players.
The Redbacks also began getting on top in the ruck. Mustang Ryan Keyes, missing the injured Jason Dal Santo, received some help from defender Owen Kortlake at times.
As the third term drew to a close, Benn Parker kicked long to Joffa Byron who marked and kicked his third for the term.
Ben Mowlam was able to defend the high ball well, but Byron was winning on the lead and when the ball hit the ground.
The game had virtually gone goal for goal and the Redbacks led by two points at the last break.
Benn Parker played a great second half and cleverly worked himself clear of traffic to snap a major. Almost immediately, Flavel replied for Reservoir with his fourth for the day as the last quarter became a shootout.
Ben Strongman was giving Panton Hill plenty of drive and found Daniel Keen 35m out directly in front.
Keen appeared to play on, but was called back by the umpire. There may have been some conjecture on whether the ball had been touched off the boot. He is not the most reliable kick, but slotted it nonetheless.
Toby O’Meara had been the focal point at full forward all day for Reservoir. Often he had two or three defenders on him, but still attracted the ball.
Unfortunately, his team mates didn’t find other players in free space in these situations.
O’Meara moved up to half forward early in the term and the move paid off. With multiple targets up forward, Reservoir found more avenues to goal.
But Byron was unstoppable down the other end. He slotted his seventh from a severe angle to give his team a 13-point lead.
Kent Beaumont immediately responded for Reservoir. He had another chance after marking a long Ryan Docherty kick, but missed the lot from 20m out on an angle.
The final goal provided a snapshot of the contest. Redback Benn Parker beat two opponents to move the ball to Anthony Bryce. Bryce passed to Byron who kicked his ninth from an angle.
In the latter part of the game, the Mustangs’ failure to convert hurt them.
Next week the Redbacks venture to Pitcher Park to play Parkside, while Reservoir hosts league-leader Mernda.
There was a sausage sizzle put on for the Redbacks reserves premiership team on the day. The 2011 premiership win was the first for any open age Panton Hill side for over 50 years.
Final scores: Panton Hill 13.16 (94) def Reservoir 11.10 (76)
