WATSONIA moved level with South Morang at the top of the Division 3 ladder after handing the Lions their third loss of the season in Round 13.
The Saints trailed at the first three breaks before kicking five goals to one in the last quarter to take the 12.12 (84) to 9.11 (65) win at A.K. Lines Reserve.
It was Watsonia’s first win over South Morang since Round 1 last year, ending a run of four-straight losses to the Lions.
The result also pushed Corey McCall’s side a win and percentage clear of third-placed Epping in the race for a double chance in the finals.
In wet conditions, it was South Morang who came out of the blocks harder – kicking the first four majors of the match.
It took Watsonia as many as 25 minutes to get on the scoreboard, before quick goals from Sam Harris and captain Matthew Crompton cut the margin to a manageable 11 points at the first break.
The quarter-time break slowed the home side’s momentum as South Morang again blew the Saints away with frenetic pressure and intent early in the second term.
The visitors kicked two early second-quarter goals to extend the lead to a game-high 26 points midway through the quarter.
Staring at successive defeats following their Round 12 loss at Reservoir, the Saints showed why they are a genuine Division 3 premiership contender by forcing their way back into the contest.
Successive goals to Andrew Bennett and Andrew Kidd put the home side within striking distance at the main break, with the deficit cut to 10 points.
South Morang midfielder Matthew Trim was able to kick his second goal of the match early in the third quarter to extend the Lions’ lead, before Watsonia’s Jeremy Bennett exerted his influence on the contest.
The Saints’ full forward kicked three of the next four goals to get his side within five points at three-quarter time.
Andrew Bennett then slotted his second major early in the last term to put the home side ahead for the first time in the match.
That goal began an onslaught for the Saints, who went on the kick four of the next five majors to run away with the win.
It reversed the result when the sides last met in Round 6, where South Morang overcame an early deficit before romping to a 51-point win at the same venue.
On this occasion the Bennetts starred up forward, with Jeremy kicking four goals while Andrew slotted three.
A host of other Saints kicked singles, including Jordan Brown and Andrew Kidd who were the winning side’s best players on the day.
For the losing side, Trim and Wayne Pavitt each kicked two goals. Youngster Benjamin Nesci was judged best for the Lions, competing well in the ruck.
Watsonia will travel to Whatmough Park in Round 14 to take on St. Mary’s – a side they defeated by 21 points at the venue in Round 2.
Meanwhile, South Morang will look to regroup as it travels to Beverley Road Reserve to take on an in-form Banyule.
Final score: Watsonia 12.12 (84) def South Morang 9.11 (65)
