Reservoir outlasted St Mary’s to win by 41 points in a gruelling game at a very wet and muddy Crispe Park.
It was Reservoir’s ability to capitalise on its opportunities that allowed it to kick 11.10 (76) to 5.5 (35), which was reflective of the difficult conditions.
The key for Reservoir was Toby O’Meara, with his six goals the difference between the sides. This was all the more impressive given the weather and the fact that most other tall targets struggled.
His cause was helped by the delivery from up the field. In a game where most disposals were just for territory, the likes of Shane Mitchell and Kent Beaumont were crucial. Their pinpoint passes broke the lines and led to multiple goals.
Reservoir was also boosted by Cameron Rooney whose run and long kicking opened up the game while Andrew Wallace was solid in defence.
St Mary’s was closer than the scoreboard suggested, but the Burra just couldn’t finish. Adam Carnell thrived in the wet conditions, throwing his body at the contest. Nicholas Daisley was also impressive and his two goals topped off a great performance.
Reservoir was on the front foot early. Within the first five minutes it had two goals on the board, a big advantage in the wet conditions. St Mary’s was able to wrestle back some control and lock the ball in its forward half, but as would be the story of the game the visitor could not finish with a goal.
Instead it was the Mustangs who quickly turned the tables as O’Meara kicked his first of the game. Before quarter time Myles Guldon was able to finally get St Mary’s first.
The rain began to fall harder in the second and the game degraded into what resembled a rolling maul. Any kick into space would be quickly chased down and turned into another stoppage.
It took some quick thinking from Kent Beaumont, who kicked the ball out of mid-air, for Reservoir to record its only goal for the quarter. Then, just as in the first quarter, St Mary’s was able to pull a goal back before the half to stay in touch.
After half time the standard did not look like improving, before suddenly St Mary’s third goal sparked a flourish. O’Meara replied immediately with a goal off the ground, before Dillan Ronalds kicked his first from the next centre bounce.
A second goal to Daisley put St Mary’s within 10 points, but that was as close as his side would get. O’Meara finished off the quarter with another mark and goal which was a sign of things to come.
The final quarter was dominated by Reservoir. The ball rarely left the Mustangs half and as a result O’Meara thrived. He kicked three goals in the quarter to quell any chance of a St Mary’s comeback which left the Mustangs comfortable winners.
Final score: Reservoir 11.10 (76) def St Mary’s 5.5 (35)
