Nunawading’s reserves record first Eastern Football League win in more than two years

AFTER a two-year winless streak that saw them suffer some record defeats, Nunawading has finally been able to sing the club’s song — with a little help.

Nunawading's reserves team celebrates the club's first win in more than two years. Picture: Supplied

NUNAWADING has had little to celebrate in recent times, but the Lions are hoping Saturday’s breakthrough win in the reserves is a sign of things to come.

The Lions’ reserves recorded the club’s first win in more than two years on Saturday after defeating Glen Waverley Hawks by six points at Koonung Reserve.

Ash Cox was paid a free kick in the dying minutes and nailed the set shot from 40m out directly in front to give Nunawading a 8.6 (54) to 7.6 (48) win, sparking jubilant scenes in the rooms.

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The club song had not been sung since Round 10, 2015, when the seniors defeated Donvale.

Even the seniors delayed running out for their game to help their reserves teammates sing the song.

“Both teams (seniors and reserves) celebrated in the rooms, it was just good to see the camaraderie,” Nunawading president Wayne Devene said.

“They didn’t even know the words, they were looking up on the wall for the words.”

The clubrooms were still rocking until the club’s licence ended at midnight. Many headed out until the early hours of Sunday morning to continue the celebrations.

“It was really massive, the boys were so pumped — they partied pretty hard,” Devene said.

It was a courageous performance from the Lions’ reserves. The seconds have had an average losing margin of 137 points and endured three goalless games this year.

Nunawading's reserves team sing the song. Picture: Supplied

They were reduced to 16 fit men by the final quarter but found a way to record a historic win.

“For whatever reason they decided they were in that game and they were not going to lose it,” Devene said.

“We had players going down with severe cramps that could barely move, guys who rolled their ankles but strapped it back up and went back out there.

“They just refused to lose, it was unbelievable to watch.”

Nunawading players celebrate the win. Picture: Supplied

Devene said he was hopeful the reserves’ breakthrough win would inspire the seniors before the end of the season.

The Lions suffered an 86-point loss to premiership contender Forest Hill in Round 11 — arguably their best performance this year.

“The club is definitely moving in the right direction, they are really happy and upbeat at the moment,” Devene said.

“We think we’ve got a couple of games where if we can replicate the way we played against Forest Hill, we think there are at least two games we can possibly win in the seniors before the year is out.”