Reservoir ran away for a great 24-point win over Laurimar at Crispe Park with a nine-goal to two second half in Round 15 of Heidelberg Golf Club Division 3.
The home crowd gave the team a rapturous applause as they left the ground after the 12.11 (83) to 9.5 (59) win – in what was the Mustangs’ first senior victory since claiming the 2015 premiership cup.
It was a fitting reward for all who had toiled diligently to get the club back up and running after a year in recess.
“Determination pays off,” Reservoir coach Aaron Collins said after the game. “They never gave up. We needed that win”.
The Power led 7.2 (44) to 3.8 (26) at the main break, mainly due to clever use of the ball into the strong wind. However, Laurimar did not have as much control of the game as the margin indicated.
The Mustangs had wasted the significant wind advantage they had in the second term with poor kicking at goal. Their quarter yielded 2.6, with several other shots going out on the full.
The Power had the chance to put the game out of reach with the wind in the third stanza. However the home team, sensing an upset brewing, came out all guns blazing after the main break.
Reservoir outscored Laurimar 4.0 to 1.1 to forge into a winning position at the last change, with premiership players Kent Beaumont and David McGregor coming to the fore in the term.
Beaumont booted two majors, while McGregor kicked a goal and also passed to Beaumont for his. But his highlight was a mark running full tilt with the flight of the ball into oncoming traffic.
With his team trailing by a solitary point at the final break, Reservoir coach Collins praised McGregor’s courage in his address. The players looked both determined and confident as they took their positions.
The vocal crowd was delighted when the Mustangs booted four goals in the first ten minutes of the final term to put the result beyond doubt.
Beaumont finished with three goals and was ably assisted by McGregor with two. Livewire Lachlan Shaw and Dylan Potter also scored two majors each.
Midfielder Tom Goodwin was excellent, while half forward Willem Richardson used his pace and disposal skills to advantage in difficult conditions – finishing off his work with a goal.
It was a disappointing day for Laurimar. The fledgling club has struggled in recent weeks as it runs out of fit players. Dale Piggott was off injured by quarter time.
“Reservoir’s desire was better,” Laurimar coach Wayne Sharkie said. “When the going got tough, we dropped away too quickly.”
Lance Whitnall was best for the Power and kicked three goals – two in the first few minutes of the game. He also did some work around the ground and used his football smarts to assist his team.
Chris Morton, Stephen Tsonas and Steven Dorsett also chipped in with useful contributions.
Laurimar now has the bye and will use the last two games to prepare for 2018. Reservoir will enjoy the win and then travel to Epping Recreation Reserve to take on Epping.
The Mustangs looked resplendent in their special RUOK jumpers. Reserves player Michael Poposvski – an ambassador for RUOK – spoke in the rooms at half time. He lost his brother to suicide in 2013 and has assisted the club to raise over $10,000 for RUOK since 2014.
Final scores: Reservoir 12.11 (83) def Laurimar 9.5 (59)
