Lalor snapped a nine-game losing streak to record a comfortable 31-point win over Reservoir at Lalor Reserve in Round 14 of Heidelberg Golf Club Division 3.
The Bloods kicked with a handy breeze in the first term and led virtually from go to whoa. Despite missing some easy shots early, they controlled the game and never really looked like losing in the 11.13 (79) to 6.12 (48) result.
Despite being without key forward Sam Rexhepi, who booted seven goals in the Anzac Day win over the Mustangs, the Bloods were bolstered by Daniel Moore’s return and he booted three for the victors.
Robert Todd was another inclusion to excel – getting plenty of the ball and using some zip and a few nice steps to give his team the advantage.
Ben Curtiss worked tirelessly through the middle and across half back and made good decisions with the ball. He booted a goal from a set shot outside 50m in the third term.
Hirsi Twomey battled hard in the ruck against Emrys Black all day in a good battle. Twomey took a key mark in the final term and dished out some crisp handballs to help his team steady. He has plenty of upside for the Bloods.
“A well-deserved win after a lot of hard work,” Lalor coach Gary Cutler said. The club rooms were a much happier place after breaking a long run of outs.
It was one of the best teams Lalor has put on the field for a while. The healthier list also had some flow on effect – with the reserves recording a 90-point win.
Despite trailing throughout the game, the Mustangs were close enough if good enough at the last break. Interim coach Peter Bartle implored his team to take the game on and avoid the dead pocket when coming home with the breeze.
They managed to reduce the three quarter time deficit of 27 points to 21 with the first goal of the final term courtesy of Dylan Cornford, who kicked truly on the run from close in.
Reservoir dominated the next five minutes, but only managed three behinds. Against the run of play, Lalor’s Daniel Cartisano got on the end of a nice handball and ran on to snap the steadier.
This took the wind out of the Mustangs’ sails. They never gave in, but the task became too much. Lalor was able to soak up seconds against the wind with a series of short passes along the grandstand side.
Donovan Stuart is small in stature but knows how to play and was Reservoir’s best. Sam McDowell worked his way into the game nicely, while Daniel Sebeh also contributed well.
Captain Reece Miller was his usual busy self and was instrumental in his team’s flying start to the second term, when they booted three goals in five minutes.
Forward Shane Potter was closely checked by the Bloods’ Daniel Ballantyne. Potter seemed to win the battle but missed his chance to kick a bag with wayward kicking.
Thomas Holloway and Zane Pugliese-Thompson both contributed well through the middle of the field.
The Mustangs have been better of late and can take some positives out of their efforts.
“It’s my intention to help out the club in any way I can,” interim coach Peter Bartle said. “It’s a pleasure to coach these guys and the morale has been sensational. It was a great team effort under the circumstances, but we didn’t use the wind as well as Lalor.”
Reservoir hosts South Morang next up at Crispe Park. Lalor will be looking for back-to-back wins when hosting Old Eltham Collegians.
Final score: Lalor 11.13 (79) def Reservoir 6.12 (48)
