SOUTH Morang claimed its second under-19.5 title in the Northern Football Netball League, but had to hold out a fierce challenge from Heidelberg 2 in the final quarter on Saturday at Preston City Oval.
It was a nervy start for both teams on Saturday morning, with both teams having chances, but little to show for their work up forward.
The Lions, however, were the first to strike, kicking a goal through Marcus Cutajar to open proceedings as the Lions led 10-3 at the first change.
The second quarter was the winner for the Lions, putting through five goals in a brutal eight-minute burst.
Jack Traianou got things started for the Lions, before Lucas Yacoub added another two minutes later. Cutajar kicked two goals in two minutes, then Adam Huybers added a fifth goal and it looked like South Morang by how much at the main break, leading 43-6 at the main break.
The second half brought about a bit of a shift in the game, as Heidelberg started to get into rhythm. The Tigers kicked three goals in six minutes to create some nerves, but the Lions managed to ease that somewhat through Sukri Arifoski.
The rest of the quarter went goal-for-goal, with Huybers kicking his second, while Chase Pell added another to ensure the Lions turned for home up by 24 points, 62-38.
Yacoub kicked his second goal to open the last quarter, but Heidelberg still put up a challenge, kicking four goals to reduce the margin significantly.
But the Lions held on for a memorable premiership triumph, winning 10.12 (72) to 9.9 (63).
The Traianou brothers, Noah and Jack, were the two best players on the ground, with Noah claiming the best-on-ground medal. Cutajar’s three goals earned praise, while Yacoub, Oscar Dwyer and Thomas Hewson were also named in the best.
