By Tara Murray
In a season where nothing has gone its way, South Morang finally has something to smile about after getting its first win in the Northern Football League division 1 competition.
Playing in the top grade for the first time, the Lions have been competitive without luck going their way.
On Saturday, a strong performance and some straight goal kicking helped them get over the line against Eltham, 8.7 (55)-4.13 (37).
Lions coach Gary Hall said it was nice to see the faces of the players and the spectators after they came away with the points.
“It was a really good performance for all the work that had been done,” he said. “The confidence that gives them is massive and hopefully the momentum will continue in the second half of the year.”
Hall said at this level you can’t afford to be off or not make the most of their opportunities without being made to pay.
He said it was nice to be on the right side of the goalkicking ledger for once this season.
“If you give sides an opportunity, they don’t miss,” he said. “It was nice to be able to kick straight when it mattered.”
Hall said his Lions and Eltham played similar games of football and it made it a real battle.
He said they took some of their lessons from a few weeks ago against North Heidelberg to get the result to go their way.
“In the second quarter we couldn’t get our hands on the footy,” he said. “There was a slight breeze.
“We were then able to get some momentum in the second half. We learned a little bit against North Heidelberg.
“We set up differently and controlled the ball better than the other week.”
David Cameron kicked three goals for the Lions, while Noah Cumberland kicked two goals.
Koby Davies, Tyrone Leonardis and Kobe Van Zwienen were named the Lions best.
Hall said it had been a really tough season for the group, but they hoped the best was still to come.
“Coming up to this level, you need everything to go right,” he said. “It has been horrible injury wise.
“We haven’t had a full squad all year even at pre-season training. We’ve played a lot of young boys.
“It is tough but it’s a good experience against teams that have been up there for a long time.”
The win moves the Lions off the bottom of the ladder, now percentage ahead of Bundoora.
Hall said they hoped this win would kick start their season.
“Hopefully it creates a little bit more confidence and we get a few more wins,” he said.
“A few guys will come back. Outside of Heidelberg everyone else has not been an easy game.
“Hopefully we can win another three or four games and try to hang in there.”
