By Tara Murray
South Morang continues to rack up some hard-fought wins as it battles an injury curse in Northern Football League division 3.
The Lions have been hit by injuries every game this season, and as a result most of their games have gone down to the wire.
Take out the loss against Panton Hill, and the rest of the games have been within a four goal margin.
Lions’ coach Gary Hall said it was a tough challenge each week.
“We are struggling at the moment,” he said. “Injuries have hit us hard.
“We’ve had six senior guys missing and that’s not including the couple of under-19s who were playing well in the seniors before they got injured.
“Every game we’ve lost two players before quarter-time, so it puts a strain on the rotations. The boys are running on empty at the end.”
Hall said most of the injuries were broken bones or dislocations, which were four to six week injuries.
It was another thriller on Saturday for the Lions, who beat Lalor 11.13 (79)-10.13 (73).
PHOTO GALLERY: South Morang vs Lalor
Hall said he didn’t think his side was as switched on as it should have been.
“They kicked the first four goals and then we kicked six goals in the second quarter.
“There wasn’t much atmosphere. We struggled to get up for the game. Lalor threw everything at us, we were lucky to hold on.”
Alex Colaidis kicked four goals for the Lions, while Sam Rexhepi did the same at the other end for Lalor.
Hall said there wasn’t really any standouts. Aiden Grace and Luke Shelton were named their best.
“Our backline held up well, they were under the pump a lot.”
He said Nathan Bell, who has stepped up from the under-19s in recent weeks, has shown a bit as well.
The Lions sit fourth on the ladder, with three wins, two losses and draw.
Hall said it had been a mixed start to the season, including dropping a game against Heidelberg West that they should have won.
The Lions have a bye this week, before facing Reservoir the week after. They then have another week off with the Queen’s Birthday weekend.
Hall said they would hopefully start to get a few players back and it would help the side get some consistency. “You’ve got to try and get as many wins as possible and hopefully turn it on at the right time of the year.”
In other results, Laurimar remains undefeated after beating Kilmore, 14.4 (88)-7.10 (52). Panton Hill was too strong for Mernda, winning 23.11 (149)-14.11 (95).
Heidelberg West was the other winner.
There was no division 1 or 2 matches due to interleague.
