Panton Hill produced a commanding performance to beat Reservoir by 81 points in the Division 3 top of the table clash.
In a dominant second half Panton Hill kept Reservoir goalless while piling on 10 goals of its own to claim a 16.17 (113) to 4.8 (32) win. This feat was made more remarkable in the presence of a three-goal wind blowing down the ground.
The Redbacks were coming into the game off the back of a series of large wins and expected a better challenge from the previously undefeated Mustangs. However, they had all the answers and will now be outright premiership favourites given the commanding result.
The results at stoppages were the indicator early in the day. Whoever was winning the clearances was able to trap the ball in its forward half, even against the wind. Reservoir was able to win its share early but it was not long before Panton Hill’s midfield began to dominate.
Tyler Scarce was a standout in the centre. Hs excellent disposal cut open Reservoir and began many good plays. He was joined by Simon Amore who won plenty of clearances and was breaking the packs open.
The midfield was not the only area Panton Hill had control, with the backline also superb. Keeping Reservoir goalless in the second half was no mean feat especially with a strong wind and against the competition’s leading goal scorer Ash Flavel who was held goalless. Jeremy Gercovich and Will Box were just two of the strong defensive unit who stood out.
Ben Finnin had another day out up forward, kicking six goals while Nicholas Lowther added three and provided a great target at centre half forward.
Reservoir had few that stood out on a disappointing day. Lee Grattidge and Justin Kuchel provided some resistance in the backline while Joel Buckley excelled in the midfield. His work around the stoppages had the Mustangs competitive early. Dallas King was also good around the middle and had an impact going forward kicking three his team’s four goals.
Panton Hill had the wind in the first quarter but only managed three goals. It couldn’t hit targets up forward and after two late Reservoir goals the game looked like it was going to be a close contest.
However in the second Panton Hill lifted and set up the win. Against the wind the Redbacks outscored Reservoir and extended their lead to two goals.
It had little bearing in the end as the second half was completely one sided. Panton Hill locked the ball in its forward half and kicked goal after goal. Reservoir had no answer and by the time it was back with the wind in the last the game was all but over.
Panton Hill now enjoys the bye after wins in four successive games, while Reservoir faces another tough contest against second-placed Thomastown.
Final score: Panton Hill 16.17 (113) def Reservoir 4.8 (32)
