WATSONIA kicked off its 2015 season perfectly, with a come-from-behind 21-point win over St Mary’s at Whatmough Park.
Trailing by a small margin for the majority of the afternoon, the Saints kicked six goals to one in the last quarter to run away with the 13.9 (87) to 9.12 (66) win in Corey McCall’s first game as senior coach.
Nathan Groves starred up forward for the Saints, slotting five goals, with help from Andrew Kidd, Jack Larkin and Jordan Brown, who each kicked two majors.
St Mary’s were well served by Troy Bickerton and James Ind as the Burra suffered its second close loss in as many weeks.
Both teams began the match full of running, with the ball flying from end to end, although neither team was able to take an advantage on the scoreboard, with scores locked at 14 points apiece at the first change.
Neither team was able to take hold of the game and break away again in the second quarter, with both sides going goal for goal for much of an entertaining quarter.
A late goal from Lachlan Potter put the Burra ahead by just five points at the main break, giving the home side a confidence boost heading into the third term.
St Mary’s was able to continue that momentum after the half time break, holding the ball inside its forward line for much of the third quarter.
However for all their efforts the Burra were unable to convert their chances, despite recording 11 scoring shots to 3. The Burra booted a wasteful 2.9 for the quarter as they headed into the last change just 13 points in front – a lead which should have been greater.
They were made to pay for their wasted chances when the fourth quarter commenced.
Watsonia saw its chance to strike early in the last quarter, kicking three of the first four goals in the opening eight minutes of the final term to draw level with the Burra, with momentum going the visitor’s way.
The Saints were able to keep immense pressure on St Mary’s throughout the final term, holding the home side scoreless for the remainder of the match, while Groves, Brown and Kidd were all able to kick goals to seal the match for the Saints.
Debutant coach Corey McCall had nothing but praise for his side after the win, attributing the results to a complete team effort.
“It’s not about who’s the better player on the day, it’s about working together to get the result,” an elated McCall said.
The Saints will look to back up the performance when they host Reservoir at A.K. Lines Reserve in Round 3, with the Mustangs heading into the game on the back of a close win against recently relegated Epping.
St Mary’s will continue its search for its first win of the season when it hosts new club Banyule, with the Bears returning to action after a bye in Round 2.
Final score: St Mary’s 9.12 (66) def by Watsonia 13.9 (87)
