RESERVOIR escaped a big second-half comeback by Banyule to secure a 10-point victory at Crispe Park in Round 16.
The Mustangs held a comfortable 56-point lead following a dominant first half, before the Bears kicked 12 second-half goals to threaten to clinch a huge come-from-behind result.
However the Mustangs were able to hold on in the dying stages to bank themselves a 15.14 (104) to 14.10 (94) win.
The victory pushed Reservoir into second place on the Division 3 ladder, ahead of Watsonia and Epping on percentage – although both those opponents have played one less game than the Mustangs.
Reservoir’s last three weeks will be a great test ahead of the finals, where it plays both the Blues and Saints in its final two home and away matches of the season, either side of a Round 18 bye.
Wearing special jumpers to raise awareness for the charity organisation ‘R U OK’, Reservoir made a blistering start to the first quarter. Last year’s grand finalists piled on seven goals to one for the quarter, led by four goals from Ash Flavel.
Flavel’s third major was the goal of the quarter, following a great passage of play from the Mustangs that started from their half back line.
Banyule headed into the first break 40 points behind, but coach Jason Plant was composed during his quarter-time address. Plant told his players to keep their heads and to move the ball quickly when in transition during the second quarter.
The second term saw a better display for the visitors. They applied better pressure and were more competitive around the ground.
But despite their improved play, three goals to Kael Beaumont and Kent Beaumont’s second gave Reservoir an impressive 56-point lead heading into the main break.
In the third quarter, it seemed as though the teams had switched jumpers at half time.
Led by four majors from Adam Barclay, the Bears forced their way back into the contest. They kicked seven goals to three to reduce the margin to a somewhat manageable 33 points at three-quarter time.
Banyule was clearly beating Reservoir in clearances and forcing the Mustangs to make turnovers all around the ground.
At the three-quarter time huddle, Reservoir coach Ross Terranova was very disappointed with his troops, insisting they play one-on-one all over the ground in the final quarter – a strategy which had put his side nine goals ahead in the first half.
Banyule continued to attack after the final break, with Barclay adding his fifth goal for the match early in the quarter. The visitors quickly kicked two more majors, before Kael Beaumont booted his fifth goal for Reservoir midway through the term.
Will Drapac and Charles Ross kicked goals for the Bears to reduce the margin to just 10 points. However, time was against the visitors as Reservoir held on for its ninth win of the season.
Kael Beaumont, Kent Beaumont and Ash Flavel were all very important for Reservoir, combining for 13 of the Mustangs’ 15 goals for the afternoon.
Barclay was instrumental in getting Banyule back into the contest, while Devin McDonald and Nathan Elsworthy also produced solid outings.
Reservoir will look to further enhance its top-two chances in Round 17 when it travels to fourth-placed Epping. With finals no longer a possibility, Banyule will look to get back on the winners’ list when it hosts St Mary’s.
Final score: Reservoir 15.14 (104) def Banyule 14.10 (94)
