Harper Sercombe
South Morang won its first Northern Football League division 2 final on Sunday without one of its gun key forwards.
A hamstring strain kept Essendon premiership player and high flyer Gary Moorcroft out of Sunday’s elimination final, however, this was not an issue for the Lions as they had their way with Watsonia in the 19.13 (127)-6.12 (48) win.
The Lions were able to get the jump on the Saints booting seven first term goals, much to the delight of coach Gary Hall.
“The previous Watsonia game, they jumped us and we couldn’t recover so we had to have a good start to the game,” Hall said.
With no Moorcroft, Joshua D’Intinosante stepped up with six goals in a best on ground performance and Liam Jolly was also amongst the teams best with five majors.
“The boys got a bit of their mojo back,” Hall said.
“There were multiple goalkickers, those two boys kicked the big bags but there were a few boys who chipped in as well.
“We spread the goals around in the absence of Jake Potter and Moorcroft. We had to find some more avenues to goal and we did that.”
With St Marys coming up on Sunday to get the team into a preliminary final Hall said it’s about playing the same way they have been. It’s the Lions first season back in division 2 since 2013, having won the division 3 title last year.
“Momentum and confidence is up at the moment,” he said. “At the start of the year no one thought we were going to make finals but here we are.
“From our perspective, whatever comes up now is a bonus, we’ve got nothing to lose.
“They boys are up and about and we’re keen for the challenge.”
The Lions will face St Marys at Epping Recreation Reserve on Sunday at 2.10 in a knockout semi final. Diamond Creek faces Eltham in the other semi final for a spot in the grand final.
