SOUTH MORANG was able to bounce back from its loss to Watsonia last week with a 14-point win over a competitive Banyule at Beverley Road Reserve.
A close battle for majority of the game, Lions youngster Anthony Capeci calmly slotted two late goals to seal a 12.7 (79) to 13.15 (93) victory.
The win ensured South Morang held on to top spot on the Division 3 ladder by percentage, while the loss for Banyule keeps it three-games outside the top four with only five rounds to play.
The cold and wet conditions resulted in a scrappy start to the first quarter.
The Lions started well with a Sean Kirby major, as well as an excellent running goal from Daniel Delromano.
The Bears responded with a brilliant high contested mark from key forward Scott Gumbleton and a good crumbing goal from Devin McDonald.
The league-leader added two further goals to stretch its lead before two quick goals from Michael Italia reduced South Morang’s buffer to five points at quarter time.
In the quarter time huddle, Bears coach Jason Plant was happy with the effort from his team, but still reminded them that they needed to continue to work hard for the rest of the game to win.
The second quarter was a low scoring affair. Gumbleton kicked a goal early in the term to give the Bears the lead, but that was before Paul Harrison booted his second major to put the visitors back in front.
The heavy conditions began to make an impact on the game midway through the second term, with nine behinds kicked between both sides for the remainder of the quarter.
A highlight from the second term was Nicholas Biscontin’s high grab midway through the second quarter. At half time South Morang held the lead by just six points.
Banyule was fired up at the beginning of the third term. A quick clearance from the opening bounce resulted in an early goal to the Bears thanks to Brayden Sier.
Banyule didn’t stop there though. The home side kicked four of the next five goals to open up a 16-point lead halfway through the third quarter.
But just as the Bears started to break away, Lions coach Craig Lambert made a smart move by putting Paul Harrison into the middle and Simon Crump to full forward.
The move paid immediate dividends with Crump kicking two goals and Luke Shelton booting his first of the afternoon to give South Morang a six-point lead heading into the final change.
Lambert was happy with Harrison’s ability to change the momentum in the third term but told his players to “keep to structures” and to just “work that one per cent harder” in the last quarter.
The final term didn’t disappoint the crowd with both sides playing hard and competitive football.
Banyule got the start it needed to have a chance to win the match. Goals from Gumbleton, Italia and Tore Valvo put the Bears in the lead with time running out.
However, the Lions then responded with Shelton booting his second major to put his side back in front.
The margin remained under a goal for five minutes before Capeci kicked two important late goals to give South Morang a 14-point victory.
Harrison was vital for the Lions, not only kicking three goals, but also changing the momentum into the visitors’ favour when moved on the ball.
Gumbleton and Adam Barclay were both important for Banyule, providing opportunities up forward and plenty of run and carry respectively.
In other Division 3 matches, Watsonia recorded its third win over St Mary’s for the season in a 29-point result, while Reservoir had a big win over Heidelberg West to move into third on the ladder.
Final score: Banyule 12.7 (79) def by South Morang 13.15 (93)
