With just 14 points the difference at three-quarter time, the Mustangs kicked six goals to one in the final quarter to win 14.10 (94) to 7.7 (49) at A.K Lines Reserve.
For the bigger part of the first quarter, it was very defensive game. Lee Grattidge finally got the ball rolling for Reservoir with the first goal of the day before Watsonia followed with a goal soon after courtesy of a free kick to Jeremy Bennett. At the first change it was as close as you get, with a solitary point separating the sides
Reservoir looked a lot more comfortable in the second term and began moving the ball with ease. The visitors kicked the first goal of the quarter through Brett Lovett before Dallas King followed with a nice snap. Soon after Reservoir had put on three goals in the opening five minutes thanks to Ash Flavel’s first.
Watsonia needed to stem the flow, but there was no stopping Reservoir as it got its fourth of the quarter through Luke Allen. Shane Hodgson finally stopped the onslaught with his first for the Saints, but the joy was short lived, as Leigh Sullivan got the Mustangs back on track with a ripper from 40m out.
At the main break Watsonia had its work cut out, down by four goals.
Reservoir carried its form from the second term into the third and only inaccurate kicking kept the game alive.
Ryan Keyes got his first for Reservoir and the margin was at 30 points before Watsonia clicked in to gear. Jeremy Bennett got his second of the day and Shane Hodgson followed quickly with his second. Soon after the lead was down to two goals after Lochie Dornauf kicked truly.
The Saints had all of the possession and all of the momentum and could have closed further going in to the final change, but two costly misses left them down by 14 points at the last break.
With the game in the balance, the last quarter turned into an Ash Flavel goal spree. Flavel kicked the next four goals for Reservoir and put the game out of reach for the Saints. He was putting goals in from everywhere and kicked a miraculous soccer goal for his fifth goal of the quarter.
While it was difficult to go past Jarrod Skinner for best afield duties for the work he did in the midfield, Flavel’s last quarter performance ensured you couldn’t pass on him for man of the match honours.
Final score: Watsonia 7.7 (49) def by Reservoir 14.10 (94)
