SOUTH MORANG broke its losing drought over last year’s Division 3 runner-up Reservoir, recording a comfortable 38-point win at Mill Park Lakes Reserve in Round 1.
After losing all four games against the Mustangs in 2014, including last year’s preliminary final, the Lions put on a six-goal first quarter which ended up being the foundation to an impressive 12.15 (87) to 7.7 (49) win.
The win sees South Morang kick off the season in second place on the ladder, while the Mustangs will begin 2015 in fifth place.
The loss was soured further for Reservoir with Kelsey Clayton taken from the ground in an ambulance after sustaining an injury in the second term – forcing a long delay in the game.
A minute’s silence took place before the first bounce to honour former South Morang junior president and coach, Marty Humphries who passed away during the summer.
It was all Lions in the first quarter with new recruit Paul Harrison booting four of the first six South Morang goals to give the Lions a 28-point lead at quarter time.
Mustangs coach Ross Terranova demanded more physicality to be shown at the quarter time huddle, as too many Reservoir turnovers were damaging the visitors on the scoreboard.
The 2014 grand finalists responded in the second, shutting down many of South Morang’s plays and tactics. But despite all this, they couldn’t capitalise on the scoreboard, scoring just one goal.
As the momentum slowly began to swing to the Mustangs’ camp, Clayton was taken from the ground and Reservoir went into half time behind by 43 points.
Desperate to find a way back into the game, Reservoir started pressing in third quarter and kicked three of the first four goals of the term, including a fantastic contested mark and goal from Leigh Sullivan.
Even though Reservoir was pressing, two third quarter goals from the Lions still gave the hosts a comfortable 35-point lead heading into the final term.
The last quarter saw an early goal to Harrison to extend the Lions margin but soon after Sullivan responded for Reservoir, as he goaled and brought the margin back to within six goals.
After Sullivan’s second major, the goals dried up. South Morang controlled the play in the final stages and could’ve boosted their percentage further, but could only manage one goal and nine behinds in the final term.
Paul Harrison was excellent for the Lions, booting six majors in his first game for South Morang, while Aaron D’Angelo was solid down back providing contests, marks and plenty of run and carry.
For the Mustangs, ruckman, Jason Dal Santo was impressive providing plenty of opportunity for his midfielders.
Reservoir coach Ross Terranova was dissatisfied with his team’s performance knowing that they were beaten by a better side.
“There’s no doubt that South Morang are a very good side. They hit us early and that ultimately cost us the game,” he said.
Nevertheless, Terranova was confident that Reservoir can bounce back: “Remember, it’s a marathon, not a sprint.”
After the impressive win the Lions will next travel to Heidelberg Park to face Heidelberg West, while Reservoir will be looking to bounce back when it takes on Epping at Crispe Park.
Final score: South Morang 12.15 (87) def Reservoir 7.7 (49)
