Trailing by four points at three-quarter time, the Mustangs kicked the final six goals of the game to runaway with a 15.11 (101) to 11.7 (73) victory.
Reservoir kicked to the southern end in the first term with a slight breeze. The ground was in good condition and the rain stayed away.
Parkside assigned run with roles to Haydyn Kennedy on Ryan Docherty and Bradley Knowles on Jarrod Skinner for most of the day.
The game was tight early and the Devils’ tall target Justin Ross snagged two majors early on.
Their lead increased further with an Andrew Bennett goal after he took a great mark running with the flight of the ball.
A lovely tap on from Toby O’Meara gave Ashley Flavel an easy goal, which kick-started the Mustangs as they ran out the quarter better to take a narrow led at quarter in an entertaining contest.
Reservoir was well ahead in contested marks. The opening goal in the second term came from two such marks. Justin Kuchel marked and passed to Ashley Flavel, who took a strong grab for his second goal.
Andrew Bennett looked dangerous up forward for Parkside and booted two majors in quick succession, the latter from a great snap.
A highlight was a Matthew Barker ‘give and get’ handball which set up Mustangs goal down the other end of the ground.
A long Devils kick to the goal line was punched back by the Reservoir defenders, but landed in the hands of David McLaughlin for an easy goal.
Toby O’Meara then snapped truly in heavy traffic to give the Mustangs a seven-point lead at half time in a game that was going goal for goal.
The lead may have been more but for a great defensive effort by Parkside’s David Egan, who forced a ball-up on his half back line despite being outnumbered and seemingly out of position.
The Devils kicked 4.2 in the third stanza with Jamie Gresham doing well and Jonathan Friel winning the ruck duels.
Their first came from a free to livewire Andrew Bennett to level the score.
Immediately after, he and Mustang Ben Mowlam were simultaneously yellow carded.
With Mowlam gone, Devil Justin Ross kicked a goal but badly missed another shot.
The Mustangs were penetrating the forward 50m regularly, but Darren Gresham and his teammates took many saving marks.
They were often able to spread the ball to runners in the clear, including the speedy Christian Ramos and Shane McLaren.
With a rainbow appearing, Parkside’s Bradley Knowles delivered a perfect pass to Brad Hockey. Hockey, one of the Devils’ best, goaled for an 11-point lead.
Justin Murray gave a great handpass to Kent Beaumont who goaled to reduce the margin to four points at the last change.
The final quarter began with the Mustangs constantly in attack as Kent Beaumont missed two difficult snaps.
Against the run of play, Parkside swept the ball forward for a Justin Ross mark and goal.
From then on, it was all Reservoir as it slammed on the final six goals of the match. The Mustangs showed superior skill, led by young Beaumont. He atoned for his missed shots with three further goals for a tally of five.
Jarrod Skinner was effective all day and set up a goal when he broke free deep in the pocket and sent a high handball to Ashley Flavel alone in the square.
Lee Grattidge was marvellous for Reservoir on the day. This was exemplified by a creative handball to Reece Miller in the clear for a goal.
Aaron Castles was also using handball to find players in the clear, while Richard Collins was mopping up in defence. In the end, Reservoir had more avenues to goal.
Parkside ran short of players late in the game. David Shaw and Michael Sabelberg were both off with injuries, and Samuel Davies had to be carried off after being concussed.
Reservoir will assess injuries to Andrew Johansen and Jason Dal Santo.
The Mustangs head to Panton Hill next week with confidence while Parkside has the bye.
Earlier, a Reservoir past players’ reunion featured four players from the 1959 premiership team – Gordon Richmond, Barry Arwell, John Hatton and Bob Chandler.
Bob Harris, who has compiled much of the history of the Reservoir club, was also present. He won three best and fairest awards and played in the 1972, 1975 and 1976 premiership teams.
Reservoir is in its 90th year and originally played in brown and gold colours.
Final scores: Reservoir 15.11 (101) def Parkside 11.7 (73)
