Not much separates the top five sides in division 3 of the Northern Football League and that was the case between Mernda and South Morang on Saturday.
The two sides, both seeking to cement their places in the top four, played out a thriller.
The Demons led at every break, extending the margin from one point at quarter time to 10 points by the last break.
But the lead wasn’t a comfortable one and the Lions fought back to hit the front in the last quarter.
There was still another twist though, with the Demons hitting back to take the lead one final time.
That proved to be enough and the Demons held on to win 9.8 (62)-9.6(60).
Demons coach Jason Ford said it was pleasing to see the way his team responded when challenged.
“It was a bit of a nail-biter but we got over the line,” Ford said.
“We got the break in the third quarter but it was never enough to seal the game.
“There was a bit of pressure on us in the last quarter and they had a fair bit of momentum. We got a couple of late goals and managed to hold on.”
Anthony Cardamone was awarded the best-on-ground medal, while the Demons also received the inaugural Plenty Rovers Cup.
Ford said it was a real team game with everyone playing their roles.
“To win games like this you need everyone to contribute,” he said.
“Anthony is only 17 and was awarded the ‘best on’ medal.
“Bill Samie, who kicked four goals, is also 17.
“Our captain, Les Adams, was enormous and David Hutchinson was massive.”
The Demons sit third on the ladder, only percentage behind Epping and St Mary’s, with seven wins and two losses.
“I said in November that it would be a close competition and not much separates the top six sides,” Ford said.
“Essentially, on everyone’s best day only one kick could separate the sides.
“You have to come prepared for every game.”
In other results, Epping maintained top spot with an eightpoint win over Banyule.
The Pingers trailed by 32 points at half-time before kicking eight goals to two in the second half to win 10.8 (68)-9.6 (60).
In division 1, Bundoora defeated Eltham in a low-scoring affair, 9.9 (63)-4.10 (34).
The two sides kicked only seven goals between them in the first three quarters, before the Bulls found the middle of the goals with five to one in the last quarter.
Whittlesea suffered a 14.20 (104)-8.12 (60) loss to Montmorency, while Lalor and Thomastown both suffered losses in division 2.
