By Tara Murray
South Morang has responded from two straight losses with a big win against Lalor in Northern Football League division 3.
After dropping their previous two matches by a combined eight points, the Lions weren’t in the mood for another close game on Saturday.
The Lions built their lead throughout the day, eventually winning 20.17 (137)-7.9(51).
Lions coach Gary Hall was happy after a strong day for the club all round.
“We played some really good football,” he said.
“Our back line has been pretty good all year and were again on Saturday. The boys played as a team and had the run and carry.
“Our disposal was pretty good and our forward line was functioning
“We’ve had some issues finding avenues to goals this season.”
Alex Colaidis, Lachlan Golledge and Tye Hall kicked four goals apiece for the Lions in the win.
Liam Failla and Ben Muscat were named the Lions’ best.
Hall was impressed with Ollie Potter and Noah Dalmau, who both made their senior debuts for the club. Dalmau, who was the 23rd man, kicked two goals.
“He’s only little, but he’s nuggety and tough,” the coach said.
For the Bloods, Ben Cuttriss and Daniel Langborne were named their best.
After a tough run with injuries, South Morang are starting to get players returning.
Hall said they were only missing two or three out of their best 22 now with the flow-on affect helping their reserves and under-19s.
Jake Potter, who has missed the past two weeks, is expected to return this week in a boost for the Lions’ forward stocks.
Mitch Trim remains on the sidelines with a broken hand.
“He fractured his wrist and was in plaster for six weeks,” he said.
“He had it taken off two to three weeks ago and it hadn’t healed at all, which is really frustrating for him.”
Hall knows any slip up in the run home could be costly, with Heidelberg West and Mernda hot on their tails.
With their last two close losses, South Morang’s spot inside the top four will be on the line in the run home.
“If we drop games names we will be in trouble,” he said.
In other results, Laurimar remains undefeated after beating Old Eltham Collegians 11.13 (79)-10.7 (67).
Miranda’s finals hopes suffered a setback in a 17.10 (112)-7.4 (46) loss to Panton Hill.
In division 2, Whittlesea beat Diamond Creek 10.11 (71)-6.12 (48).
Thomastown lost to St Mary’s 11.9 (75)-8.14 (62), while Epping lost to Eltham 16.11 (107)-7.7 (49).
Bundoora suffered another loss in division 1, this time to Northcote Park 9.6 (60)-5.11 (41).
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