Reservoir drew away in the second half to record an emotional Heidelberg Golf Club Division 3 victory over Lalor to the tune of 31-points.
It was the first win for the Mustangs since round 15, 2017 when they defeated Laurimar at Crispe Park by 24-points. Not a solitary player played in both the 2017 and 2022 wins. The last win away from Crispe Park for the club was the 2015 Grand Final win at the Whittlesea Showgrounds.
Joyous scenes erupted at Lalor Reserve among the Reservoir faithful after the win. “All credit to the boys who got the job done”, said a happy coach, Justin George. “It’s an exciting journey we are on.”
George liked the work of Zane Pugliese-Thompson through the midfield as well as Tom Dunn on a wing, while Jack Smith worked tirelessly for his team. The entire defence also stood up well when needed.
The Mustangs dominated in the forward half in the first quarter, producing 12 inside 50’s to Lalor’s four, but despite it, they trailed after kicking 0.4 and not handling the tricky cross breeze too well. The Bloods managed a solitary goal for a slender lead at the first change.
A flurry of goals and multiple lead changes made for an exciting end to the first half. John Abouhaila was busy all day through the midfield and his clever kick found Julian Caminiti who kicked truly to grab a narrow lead for Reservoir.
Two minutes later, a quick snap from a pack by Ned Hawkins sailed straight through the middle to regain the lead for Lalor. Hawkins kicked two for the day and was the Bloods’ most dangerous forward.
The Mustangs kicked a behind with a minute to go before the main break when Linden Young, who had been busy through the midfield, intercepted the kick-in and converted his running kick on goal to give Reservoir the lead at half time.
Two goals were kicked by the Mustangs in the third term, and both were highlights. The first was booted by their oldest player on the ground in Dylan Cornford, who burst through traffic in his 100th game to kick truly.
Tom Holloway’s opponent was under pressure in the goal square and looked to safely walk it over the line for a rushed behind. But Holloway picked his pocket right on the line, then snapped the ball over his head for a major.
It gave his team a handy 18-point lead at the last change. Coach Justin George urged his players to play disciplined football and not to go too defensive. He told his players that they have 25 minutes to turn the club’s fortunes around.
A set shot goal from Holloway got things rolling in the final term for Reservoir. He finished with three on the day with his third being a loose ball get just forward of centre where he took two bounces and put it through with a banana kick.
Mustang Rob Holland was excellent all day with both his toughness in winning contests and his use of the ball. He was involved in a chain of handpasses and got on the end of one to give his team a 30-point lead early in the last quarter.
The task looked forlorn for the Bloods, but they dug in and attacked relentlessly through the middle stages of the term. Regrettably, they could only score minors, in an effort which mirrored the wayward kicking by the Mustangs at the same end in the first quarter.
Lalor never gave up and this was exemplified by Connor Fitzgerald producing a goal-saving tackle in the final minute as though the game was still on the line.
“The spirit and morale around the place is good and we are working to get better”, said Lalor coach Angelo Lamanna. Lamanna liked the work of Matthew Baker on the wing and praised defender Kane Toronis for his disciplined play.
Dylan Cawsey stood out clearly as the best for the Bloods, while Robert Todd got plenty of the ball upon his return to the club. Jake Langborne impressed and kicked a long goal in the second term.
As Reservoir fans were celebrating after the game, a rainbow appeared in the distance while they were looking over the field. It was a fitting way to end a great day for the club.
The Mustangs play Kilmore at Crispe Park in their first home game for the year after the Easter break.
Lalor meanwhile, faces probably the toughest task in Division 3 football when travelling to Mill Park Lakes Reserve to take on South Morang.
