There were plenty of smiles on players faces as Lalor broke through for its second win of the Northern Football League division 3 season.
Having defeated Reservoir in round one, it’s taken another 10 matches and a second match-up with the Mustangs to get win number two.
Bloods coach Dean Grainger was thrilled to finally return to the winners list, with the side winning 9.18 (72)-5.10 (40).
He said they were quite confident of getting the win, having been competitive against the top sides for large periods of time.
“It’s always good to get a win,” he said.
“It was good to see the smiles on the faces of the players as they were walking off.
“It’s been a trying 12 weeks, so there’s plenty of joy after getting the four points.”
It was the Bloods who were the better side in the first half and it showed on the scoreboard, as they led by 21 points.
The Mustangs hit back in the third quarter and reduced the margin to less than a kick.
“Reservoir came back at us in the third,” Grainger said.
“It was very windy conditions and made kicking the footy hard.
“I challenged the guys at three quarter time … The guys really dug deep and they showed us the character of the Lalor Football Club.”
Grainger said while the margin on Saturday could have been larger, they were just happy with any win.
Timothy Murphy, Demetrios Constantinou and Daniel Moore were among the best for the Bloods.
Murphy, Moore and Luke Kelly kicked two goals each.
Grainger said the win was a reward for the effort the players had put in each week.
He said the aim was to try and play consistent football for the rest of the season.
First, they have a bye this week.
“Against Heidelberg West we were good for three quarters,” Grainger said.
“We’re looking to challenge the top sides the next few weeks.
“Who knows what will happen, we might sneak a few more wins.”
The Bloods remain in eighth place on the ladder.
In other results, South Morang moved above Mernda after the Lions won their clash on Saturday.
The Demons led by 24 points at the main break, but were outscored six goals to one in the second half, with the Lions winning 7.9 (51)-5.11 (41).
The Lions now sit in third spot, percentage ahead of the Demons.
In division 1, Bundoora is up to fourth on the back of four straight wins.
Whittlesea suffered a big loss to Greensborough.
In division 2, Epping suffered a nine-point loss to Diamond Creek, while Thomastown lost to Banyule.
Tara Murray
