SOUTH Morang regained a spot in the top four with a come-from-behind seven-point win over St Mary’s at Mill Park Lakes Reserve in Round 10 of Heidelberg Golf Club Division 3.
After finding themselves 23-points down at the first break in heavy conditions, the Lions gradually clawed their way back into the contest and a three-goal to one last term got them a narrow win in a crucial match-up.
“The boys were challenged at quarter time. Perseverance got us over the line. We have responded really well when challenged and now we need to continue on,” South Morang coach Dean Grainger said.
Paul Harrison was outstanding in the comeback win with five majors. Dillan Ronalds booted two for the Burra and was their best performer.
“We got off to a good start but, in the end, you can’t put a price on experience,” St Mary’s coach Con Borg said. “Harrison, Shelton and Pavitt got them over the line.”
Watsonia dropped out of the top four with a 12-point loss to Epping at Epping Recreation Reserve. The Saints were within a goal in the final term, but were unable to bridge the gap of the Blues.
“We have a feeling that we belong up the top,” Watsonia coach Corey McCall said. “I am absolutely proud of the boys’ effort after being three players down for a half of footy.”
The win keeps Epping ahead of second-placed Mernda. The Demons gained a healthy percentage boost after an 88-point victory over Heidelberg West at Heidelberg Park last week.
“It was good to bank a win and we are looking forward to the next month of footy,” Mernda assistant coach Steve Power said.
“We let ourselves down in the final term, but out third quarter was the best quarter we played for the whole year,” Heidelberg West coach Grant Toms said.
Banyule travelled to J.J. Clancy Reserve to record a 33-point win over Kilmore. The Blues had two goals on the board in quick time, courtesy of Alex Desmond. But the Bears gradually wrested back control of the match and kept their slim finals flame flickering.
With eight rounds to go until finals, little separates the top five teams.
If each of the top-five teams were to play out draws against each other and also defeat the bottom-three teams, the final ladder positions would see Epping finish on top ahead of Mernda on percentage, a game clear of St Mary’s, with Watsonia a further half game back and South Morang missing out by half a game.
This simplistic bit of crystal-ball gazing confirms the Lions need to keep their momentum going as they push to consolidate their spot in the finals.
South Morang will be looking to get the four points and a percentage boost when it welcomes Heidelberg West to Mill Park Lakes Reserve in Round 11 action of Division 3 football.
The Hawks went down by 90 points in their Round 5 encounter, but managed to push the Lions to within a goal in 2015 and look to be more competitive since the bye.
Banyule hosts Watsonia for the second time in 2016 at R.J. Brockwell Oval. A win for the home team is vital in keeping the final four within reach.
The Saints won the Round 2 clash in an absolute thriller and will be looking to repeat the dose in order to stay in touch with the top four teams.
Kilmore has the luxury of two home games in a row at J.J. Clancy Reserve, but faces a tough task against league-leader Epping.
Their previous encounter at Epping Recreation Reserve resulted in Kilmore’s worst loss for the year – 135 points. Kilmore looks to be a better team now, but Epping is going in as a hot favourite after six-straight wins.
The match most likely to be vital in terms of finals spots sees Mernda travel to Whatmough Park to tussle with St Mary’s.
The Burra caused an upset with a 10-point victory in the Round 5 clash of the then unbeaten teams. The Demons will be seeking revenge and have shown the better form in recent weeks.
St Mary’s has lost three of its past four – with its only recent win coming over the winless Heidelberg West. But, because of its great start to the season, a victory will propel it back into second place on the table.
