Reservoir breaks 31-year premiership drought with victory against Epping in Northern Football League Division 3 grand final

RESERVOIR tasted premiership success for the first time in 31 years with a 29-point victory over Epping in the Northern Football League Division 3 grand final on Saturday.

NFL Division 3 grand final: Reservoir V Epping

RESERVOIR tasted premiership success for the first time in 31 years with a 29-point victory over Epping in the Northern Football League Division 3 grand final on Saturday.

The Mustangs booted eight unanswered goals from the 14-minute mark of the second quarter to midway through the third term, establishing a 34-point lead which allowed them to dictate terms at Whittlesea Showgrounds.

Epping brought the margin back to 29 points by the final siren, but it was always going to be Reservoir’s day after the devastating second-quarter burst.

Co-captain Danny O’Sullivan said the Mustangs’ first senior flag since its 1984 Diamond Valley Football League success had been a long time coming.

“I played all my juniors there and was well aware it had been 31 years since we’ve won a flag,” O’Sullivan said.

Danny O'Sullivan puts Epping's Josh Stavely under pressure. Picture: Josie Hayden.

Reservoir settled the better of the two sides in the opening minutes, but goals to Kevin Kiernan, Robert Tinsley and Chris Chilcott gave the Blues a 13-point quarter-time lead.

Epping could have been further in front, showcasing its ability to move the ball at breakneck speed from defence to attack on several occasions.

Mustangs key forward Toby O’Meara capitalised on a 50m penalty to kick the first goal of the second term, before influential on-baller Ben Ryan drew them level at the five-minute mark.

Epping skipper Daniel Moore answered the challenge with back-to-back goals, but it was all Reservoir from that point until halftime.

David McGregor slotted an immediate answer at the opposite end, before Kelsey Clayton floated home a long bomb from outside the 50m arc minutes later.

O’Meara finished with three majors for the quarter as Reservoir slammed on six goals in less than 10 minutes to lead by 25 at the main break.

McGregor and Kael Beaumont made Epping pay for four missed opportunities in the third term, but Tinsley’s second was enough to give the Blues fans hope.

Reservoir coach Ross Terranova and Leigh Sullivan embrace during the final term. Picture: Josie Hayden.

Reservoir coach Ross Terranova cut a nervous figure on the bench after Kiernan goaled three minutes into the last quarter, but he had little reason to worry.

Epping would get no closer than 22 points, with best afield Judd Darby fittingly kicking the sealer in a 15.9 (99) to 10.10 (70) victory.

“Up to Division 2, we haven’t been there for a long time, since Division 3 kicked in,” O’Sullivan said.

“A big challenge obviously, a big step ... hopefully we can pick up a few key players and mix it with them up there.”