SOUTH MORANG continued to make its charge towards the Division 3 finals, with a convincing 37-point win over Watsonia at A.K. Lines Reserve in Round 13.
The young Lions outfit were able to kick six goals in the last quarter to run away with the 16.14 (110) to 11.7 (73) win in heavy conditions.
Ashley Hobbs starred up forward for the winning side, kicking five goals to take his total to 37 for the season.
The Buckley brothers also impressed, each kicking three majors with Matthew Campbell the only other multiple goal scorer, with two of his own.
For the Saints, Jack Larkin was the only multiple goal kicker for the match, slotting two goals, while star forward Jeremy Bennett was only able to add one goal after being well held by young utility Jake Potter.
Both teams took a while to become acquainted with the conditions, with neither side looking menacing going inside forward 50 due to sloppy kicking in the first quarter.
Lachlan Buckley was able to break the deadlock 12 minutes in with a good goal followed by Hobbs’ first just minutes later.
Watsonia was then able to kick three of the next four majors, including Bennett’s only major for the day, as it controlled play going into the first break.
But Mitchell Buckley was able to get a lucky bounce after a big kick from outside forward 50 late in the quarter – the goal keeping the Saints at bay and the visitors two points ahead at the first change.
Buckley was able to kick another early in the second term to extend the lead as Watsonia struggled to contain the barrage of South Morang attacks coming forward.
The Lions didn’t capitalise on their opportunities though, missing a number of gettable shotss. The Saints were then able to steady with goals to Nabil Yassine and Jarryd Allan.
However, three late goals to the Lions meant they went into the main break 26 points ahead.
Coming into the second half, the pressure was turned up by both sides with only three goals kicked between the two sides for the quarter. The Saints were able to close the gap to 18 points at the final change.
Kicking with the wind in the final term, the Lions were able to pile on the goals. They kicked three majors in the opening three minutes of the quarter, and five of the first six which included two to Hobbs.
The Saints were able to stem the flow of goals late in the game, but weren’t able to mount their own attack to seriously cut into the deficit.
John Klaromenos was a stand out for the Lions, gaining admiration from coach Craig Lambert for his ferocious attack on the ball. Jake Potter also drew praise from Lambert for his efforts on Jeremy Bennett.
“We were really looking to nullify (Bennett’s) effect on the game and Potter really stood up and did the job today,” Lambert said.
South Morang will face St Mary’s at Whatmough Park in Round 14, while Watsonia will look to cement its spot in the top four when it faces fifth-placed Heidelberg West at Heidelberg Park.
Should the Saints lose the game they will remain inside the top four on percentage alone.
Final score: Watsonia 11.7 (73) def by South Morang 16.14 (110)
