Thomastown kept second spot on the Division 3 ladder after holding off a fast-finishing Reservoir by five points at Main Street Reserve.
The Bears set up the 14.15 (99) to 13.16 (94) victory in the first three quarters, but had to fight hard to hold off a strong Reservoir outfit with minimal rotations on the bench.
Jacob Osei-Durso and David Folino starred up forward kicking three goals each, with Michael Di Battista slotting two and six others contributing a goal each.
For Reservoir, Toby O’Meara and Dallas King stepped up in the absence of Ashley Flavel, booting four majors each with Kent Beaumont the only other multiple goal scorer, kicking three.
The Bears burst out of the blocks while kicking with the wind in the first term. They slotted five goals, including a superb volley from the pocket by Osama Saad.
Their defensive pressure held Reservoir to just two points for the first term as they took a 35-point lead into the first break. The only low point came when Daniel Chadwick walked off the field clutching his hamstring – taking no further part in the match thereafter.
Reservoir came out hard in the second term, kicking the first two goals to bring the lead back to just 19 points.
However, the Bears were able to pull away again with three of the next four majors. A goal to Kent Beaumont after the siren to cut the Bears’ lead to 20 points at the main break.
Needing to win to keep alive its top two chances, Reservoir came out of the changing rooms fired up. It kicked the first goal of the half and looking dangerous each time it went forward.
However, the Mustangs couldn’t convert their chances and were made to pay at the other end as Thomastown took a 30-point lead into three-quarter time.
Reservoir used the wind to its advantage in the final term. It kicked the first four goals of the term as an upset win looked on the cards. But a goal to Thomastown’s Anthony Fazzari against the flow proved to be the sealer.
Thomastown’s defence held strong in the dying seconds with the ball being pumped in over and over again before the final siren sounded.
Youngster James Mercuri was named best on ground with a stellar match playing on-ball. Folino and Osei-Durso also featured in the best due to their efforts up forward.
Ryan Keyes was named best for the losing side, with Ryan Docherty and Andrew Wallace also playing great games.
Next week, Thomastown faces Panton Hill in a top of the table clash at Ben Frilay Oval. Reservoir will look to move three games clear in fourth place when it takes on Parkside at Crispe Park.
Final score: Thomastown 14.15 (99) def Reservoir 13.16 (94)
