South Morang moved into the Heidelberg Golf Club Division 3 top-four for the first time since Round 1 with a thrilling win over Heidelberg West at Heidelberg Park.

The Lions jumped out to a five-goal lead early, then withstood a strong Hawk challenge in the 12.13 (85) to 11.8 (74) win. The result saw the Hawks drop to fifth spot.

South Morang looked much sharper off the Queen’s Birthday break and had kicked a staggering 5.4 to nil late in the first term. Much to the relief of the home crowd, Daniel Offer broke the drought for Heidelberg West when he kicked a goal late in the term.

A comeback didn’t look on the cards in the second stanza when South Morang booted 2.4 to 1.3 to take a 34-point lead into the main break.

But the Hawks lifted in the third term – booting the first two goals and winning the term by five goals to one. It put them within striking distance – 18 points down at the last break and with some momentum.

The Lions attacked early in the final quarter but came away with two behinds. Heidelberg West followed suit then Masaki Miki marked at half forward. A 50m penalty put him within close range and he converted.

Soon after, Lachlan Reinke got on the end of some good play and kicked a goal on the run to reduce the deficit to a goal. However, Aaron Lazaric then slotted a good goal from a free on an angle to restore a two-goal lead to the Lions.

Just after midway through the term, the Hawks scored three quick goals.

Kyl Ewart marked at close range to score his second for the day. Then he got another thanks to a 50m penalty. Jarryd Coulson then received a free in the midfield, but successive 50m penalties took him to the line.

Heidelberg West had all the momentum, but no bench rotations left late in the game. South Morang managed to level the scores thanks to a set shot from Lachlan Golledge.

With little time left, Lion Tye Hall took an absolute hanger, then converted from 20m out on a tight angle.

From the next centre bounce, South Morang grabbed the ball courtesy of James Hewson. Hewson, coming back from injury, ran to the 50 and showed his smarts to find a forward target rather than blazing away. His pass hit Golledge for his second major of the term.

The two-goal lead was enough – with Ewart scoring a behind after the siren to reduce the final margin to 11 points.

Poor discipline cost both teams at times – with numerous 50m penalties being paid.

“The boys dug deep when it counted,” a relieved South Morang coach Gary Hall said.

His team avoided being overrun twice by Heidelberg West in the same season – having relinquished a 20-point lead in their previous encounter to lose narrowly in Round 3 at Mill Park Lakes Reserve.

Bailey Brown excelled in the midfield for the Lions. Tye Hall stood out – kicking two goals and also spending some time in defence. Cory Giannone has mostly played on a wing, but started in the centre square and impressed.

The defence with solid all day – with regulars Ben Power and Liam Failla doing well. Under-19 player Mitchell Kalpakis also did well – with his marking a feature.

“We need a four-quarter performance,” Heidelberg West coach Cam van Florestein said.

In retrospect, the Hawks lost it at the start – despite being good enough to hit the lead at one stage late in the contest.

Ben Kennan did well in defence – minding dangerous small forward Alex Colaidis and keeping him to a solitary goal.

Jarryd Coulson was the best big man on the ground – doing well in the ruck and booting three majors as well. Luke McKenna was good as an inside midfielder, while Dylan Hayes impressed with his disposal and also finished off with two majors.

Heidelberg West will be looking to snap a three-game losing streak when travelling to Waterview Recreation Reserve to play an improving Mernda. South Morang hosts Laurimar next up at Mill Park Lakes Reserve.

Final score: Heidelberg West 11.8 (74) def by South Morang 12.13 (85)

HEIDELBERG WEST
Best Players: B. Kennan, J. Coulson, J. Grimshaw, M. Miki, O. Welsh
Goal Kickers: J. Coulson 3, K. Ewart 3, D. Hayes 2, M. Reinke, O. Welsh, M. Miki

SOUTH MORANG
Best Players: B. Brown, T. Hall, C. Giannone, B. Power, L. Failla, M. Kalpakis
Goal Kickers: J. Lansfield 2, L. Golledge 2, T. Hall 2, B. Brown, A. Lazaric, L. Nicol, J. Renehan, L. Shelton, A. Colaidis