A brilliant burst of six unanswered goals late in the second term was enough to propel Reservoir to the 2015 Division 3 premiership at the Whittlesea Showgrounds.
The Mustangs turned a second term 12-point deficit into a half time lead of 25-points – then held off a determined Epping outfit thereafter to win 15.9 (99) to 10.10 (70).
Joyous coach Ross Terranova was mobbed by coaches and officials immediately after winning the club’s first senior flag since 1984.
The team broke into a rousing rendition of “We are the boys from Reservoir” on the oval.
The premiership victory was the culmination of four years of toil for Terranova and his team.
“We had 22 contributors,” he said after the game. “This is a win for all 35 players who played a senior game during the year – and also everyone at the footy club.”
Terranova pointed back to the Round 11 loss to Banyule as a turning point in the season for the club. From that point on, the Mustangs won six games straight to end the season – then won both finals in convincing fashion.
Despite Reservoir’s status as firm favourites, Terranova was very wary of his opponents. “They have self-belief; and you have no fear when you are young.” he noted.
Judd Darby won the medal for the best on the ground. His was tireless in his midfield efforts and deservedly capped off his good work with a fourth term goal.
Lee Grattidge moved onto the dangerous Tom Hughes after half time and Grattidge stopped his opponent from being a dominant force.
Ben Ryan was also a prolific kick-winner off a wing – while the Mustangs back six once again stood tall.
In total, Reservoir booted eight unanswered goals either side of half time. That gave them a lead of 34 points midway through the third term.
Epping booted 1.5 for the term – with its only goal coming from Robert Tinsley. The Blues had won the inside 50s for the term but were not able to finish off their work up forward.
The term had both a highlight and a lowlight in the one incident. Jordan Cugnetto took a courageous intercept mark at half forward. But he landed heavily and needed to be stretchered off the ground – unable to return.
At the last change, Epping coach Steve Power implored his team to “leave nothing on the table” – and to play on at all costs – even if there was a risk of turning the ball over.
Blues fans saw a glimmer of light as Kevin Kiernan booted his second goal to reduce the margin to 22 points early in the last. But the Mustangs slammed the door shut with four of the next five majors to move to a game high 41-point lead.
Daniel Moore – a surprise inclusion for Epping – finished off with the last two goals of the game. Despite being far from fully fit, he justified his selection with four goals.
Their tall forwards booted nine goals, but the rest of the team were not able to assist up front.
Down back, Shane Wood racked up numerous interceptions and began many forward thrusts for his team. But late in the game, he received two yellow cards as frustrations boiled over. Mitchell Henwood was red carded at the same time. But the game was gone at that stage.
Epping coach Steve Power said he was as proud as punch – great bunch of boys who fought it out to the end. It was an exciting ride for Epping fans – but they were unable to pull off the big one.
Reservoir has won promotion to second division for 2016 – where a new and exciting challenge awaits.
Final score: Reservoir 15.9 (99) def Epping 10.10 (70)
