Following Hurstbridge’s upset 15-point win over Fitzroy Stars, the Bears will now move into Division 3 for the 2013 season after the 7.7 (49) to 5.5 (35) loss.
For the Lions, Mathew Pow kicked three goals and had help up forward from Shane Whitnall who kicked two, whilst Shannon McCleish and Nathan Moro slotted singles.
Up the other end, Michael Khoury, Jason Abela, Jacob Osei-Duro, Raafat Rachrache and Ramez Dagher all kicked one goal apiece for the Bears.
Knowing what was at stake, South Morang came out of the blocks hard. The Lions kicked the first six goals of the match, including all three of Pow’s goals for the game.
Given the tough conditions on display, South Morang’s opening quarter onslaught proved decisive on a day where goals were extremely difficult to score.
Thomastown was down by 35 points midway through the first quarter and was granted its first goal following two consecutive 50m penalties against the Lions.
With South Morang leading by 31-points at the first change, the second quarter became very scrappy as conditions worsened.
Thomastown was able to kick two goals whilst holding the Lions to just a single behind for the quarter, bringing the margin back to 18 points at the main break.
With both sides so desperate to get a much-needed victory, the play was very even after half-time with both defences standing tough.
The Bears kicked the only goal for the term to come within striking distance of the Lions at the last break, with just 14 points separating the sides as the game hung in the balance.
The visitors threw everything they had at South Morang in the final term, but it was in vain as the Lions were able to hold them off.
Jason Ward was a standout for South Morang – playing a great game and using the ball cleaner than every other player on the field in terrible conditions. He was the player that his teammates turned to when in need and his calmness in such an important game for his club won’t be forgotten quickly.
With the tough season now over, both sides will certainly look for improvement and more success in the 2013 season.
With Saturday’s win, South Morang finishes the season with four victories in its first year back in Division 2 after last year comfortably taking out the Division 3 premiership.
Thomastown managed just three wins in 2012 and finish last on the table, with only percentage separating it from seventh-placed, Hurstbridge. The club will look to rebuild in the third division in 2013 after playing in Division 1 only three years ago.
Final score: South Morang 7.7 (49) def Thomastown 5.5 (35)
