RESERVOIR has cemented itself in second place on the Division 3 ladder with a comfortable 28-point win over South Morang on Saturday afternoon.
In a fiery encounter, the Mustangs were able to kick away in the second quarter, before holding off a late surge by the Lions to take the 15.16 (106) to 12.6 (78) victory in Round 8 action.
Ashley Flavel starred up forward for the Mustangs, kicking four majors to take his total for the season to 21. Leigh Sullivan chipped in with three goals while Daniel Couwenberg and David McGregor also kicked two apiece.
For the Lions, in a game of missed opportunities, Jake Potter was the best forward, slotting four majors. Nicholas Johnston was the only other multiple goal scorer for the Lions with two of his own.
Looking for a fourth successive victory, Reservoir came out of the blocks quickly. The home side went inside its forward 50 at will, but was not able to convert its chances, kicking just 2.6 for the term.
The Lions weren’t able to trouble the scorers until late in the quarter, when they broke the Reservoir defence down through a series of long kicks. The ball ended up in Matthew Campbell’s hands, who kicked truly for their first goal of the match.
Despite kicking the major, South Morang was unable to gather any further momentum. It was again unable to restrict the Mustangs from going forward and paid dearly for it in a game-breaking second quarter.
Reservoir was able to straighten up its kicking in front of goal and kicked seven goals in the second term, including three and two to Flavel and Sullivan respectively. As a result, it went into the main break 42 points ahead and with the four points already secured.
After a quick goal to Lachlan Buckley early in the third term, the Lions looked as if they could mount a comeback but the Mustangs had other ideas. They kicked the next four goals unanswered to stretch the lead to a game-high 60 points.
A steadying goal for the Lions late in the term brought the lead back to 54 points going into the last quarter.
Reservoir’s David Mcgregor goaled for the second time early in the last term to push the lead back out to 60 points, and the Lions faced an insurmountable deficit.
But in a gallant effort, the visitors were able to kick seven of the next eight majors, including three to Potter to bring the lead back to the final margin of 28 points.
In doing so, they won back some percentage which may become important in the race for a top four spot later in the year.
Liam Ryan was judged best on ground for the second time in as many weeks after a spectacular match for the Mustangs. Couwenberg was also impressive and Joel Buckley again featured in the best.
For the Lions, Potter was the shining light in an otherwise disappointing day on the field.
South Morang will look to get back on the winners list in Round 8 when it hosts Watsonia in a battle for third place on the ladder. Reservoir will enjoy the bye and will look to be refreshed when it faces the Saints over the Queen’s birthday weekend.
Final score: Reservoir 15.16 (106) def South Morang 12.6 (78)
