WATSONIA edged out a determined South Morang side by six points in a physical contest at Mill Park Lakes on Saturday afternoon.
The Saints led at every change, running out victors 11.15 (81) to 10.15 (75).
Both sides enjoyed periods of dominance, with not much separating them for much of the day.
The win is even more impressive for the Saints considering they were undermanned in the final term, with Jarrod Magann (knee), Jeremy Bennett (neck) and Joseph Abbas (ankle) all victims of the physical clash.
“To our credit we were able to run the game out pretty well,” Saints coach Damian Zanic said.
Zanic praised the efforts of his skipper Matthew Crompton and his potent forward line.
Crompton led from the front when the game was on the line, while a Mark Roumanos-inspired forward line caused headaches for South Morang coach Craig Lambert for the majority of the afternoon.
“On paper our forward line looks promising, but we need to put it to practice more often,” Zanic said.
The first quarter was highlighted by some bash and crash football, with the Saints dominating most of the first term. However they were unable to receive reward for effort, holding just a nine-point lead at the first change.
South Morang was more fluent with its ball movement in the second term, which translated to having an impact on the scoreboard. Goals to Ashley Hobbs and Luke Manning gave the Lions the lead early in the second term.
The second term ended with Saints full-forward Jeremy Bennett left worse for wear following a bone crunching bump from Luke Manning.
Both players went hard at the ball which was in dispute, with Bennett coming off second best and requiring assistance off the field. He took no further part in the match as Watsonia held a slender two-point advantage at half time.
The crowd again paid witness to another momentum swing, with Watsonia looking likely to run away with the match, however the Lions stuck around and narrowed the margin down to just 11 points at three quarter time.
The Lions were able to lock the football inside their forward half for the majority of the final term, but were unable to convert. Both sides began to miss targets by hand and foot, with fatigue becoming a major factor.
South Morang missed vital shots on goal late in the match, which ultimately cost them the four points. The Lions at one stage kicked five consecutive behinds in the final term, making the margin all square with minutes remaining.
A quick kick from congestion landed in the lap of Mark Roumanos at the top of the goal square for the Saints, and he converted from a rare forward entry in the final term for the visitors, giving them a six-point lead with seconds remaining.
The Saints remarkably held on to begin their 2014 campaign on a high. Skipper Crompton and Ben Anderson worded hard in the engine room for Watsonia, while Beau Cooper and Roumanos were dangerous all day, booting three majors each.
For the hosts, Ashley Hobbs was impressive with three goals, while Mitchell Buckley and youngster Jake Potter both enjoyed good outings.
Watsonia returns to A.K Lines Reserve for their first home game of the season against the in-form Thomastown next up, while South Morang travels across to Heidelberg Park to take on Heidelberg West.
Final score: South Morang 10.15 (75) def by Watsonia 11.15 (81)
