Watsonia claimed the 2013 Division 3 reserves premiership with a close win over Panton Hill at Epping Recreation Reserve on Saturday.
The Saints had to hold off a fast-finishing Redbacks outfit to take the flag with a 8.8 (56) to 7.6 (48) win.
Watsonia controlled the match from the outset and did most of the attacking in the first term. The Saints sprayed their first three shots at goal before Eldon Abbott was able to kick truly for the first major of the Grand Final.
The ball went end-to-end in a scrappy tem of football with both teams hardly troubling the scorers in the stanza.
Lachlan Pearson was able to kick the Redbacks’ first. Pearson starred up forward for the losing side, slotting four in total and was clearly Panton Hill’s best player on the day.
The second quarter went very much the same as the first. The play stayed scrappy and clean possessions were hard to come by with the pressure intense from both sides.
Both teams were only able to muster a goal each for the quarter, with the scores tied at 2.4 (16) apiece at the main break. No doubt coaching staff from both camps would have been trying to devise alternative avenues to goal during the long break.
Both sides came out of the rooms firing in the third term, but it was Watsonia who was able to break the game open in a decisive period which ultimately decided the premiership.
The Saints were first to the ball on most occasions and were able to change the flow of the game, getting clean possession and using the ball well.
They were able to pile on four goals to nil in the third term to take what looked like an unassailable lead going into the final quarter.
Watsonia was able to keep up its momentum through to the start of the final quarter with Jamie Harris kicking his second goal for the day in a best-on-ground performance.
The Saints had one hand on the cup but seemed to then take their foot off the pedal, as the Redbacks kicked the next goal, just their third of the day.
Watsonia was able to steady with the next major to regain its 32-point lead, but again it looked as if it had started celebrations too early.
Panton Hill kicked four straight goals in a last-ditch effort to snatch the premiership out of the Saints’ hands. However, it ultimately left its run too late.
As the final siren sounded, the initial reaction of the Watsonia players was one of relief after receiving a major scare late.
Harris was awarded the best on ground medallion with an outstanding game, racking up possession after possession and slotting two majors.
Nicholas Brock was tough to miss out on best on ground honours as he held the Redbacks’ leading goal kicker Daniel Pratt goalless in a spectacular game down back.
Panton Hill will face a major challenge next year, moving up to Division 2 after watching their seniors get a taste of premiership glory with a one-point win over the Watsonia in a thrilling Grand Final.
Watsonia’s reserves will now aim to defend their title next season when again competing in Division 3.
Final score: Watsonia 8.8 (56) def Panton Hill 7.6 (48)
