Tara Murray
The Sunbury Lions returned to the winners list in the Ballarat Football League on Saturday against East Point.
Having lost their past two matches before the interleague bye, the match against the Kangaroos was massive in the context of the Lions playing finals.
The Lions had a couple of big wins before the match started with the return of some key players.
Skipper Tyson Lever returned from a broken ankle, having not played since round four.
Playing assistant coach Mitch Lewis was back from overseas having missed the last three games.
It was an even start, but the Lions could have easily been in front at the first break had they kicked straight.
The Lions wayward kicking in front of goal continued in the second quarter, but still managed to score five goals to lead by 28 points at half time.
The Lions extended the lead in the third quarter, kicking the only two goals of the quarter.
The last quarter was all the Lions as they ran away with a 15.19 (109)-4.5 (29) win.
Jake Sutton kicked five goals for the Lions, while Leigh Brennan, who missed the last game, and Josh Guthrie kicked three goals each.
Lever was named best on ground in his return, while fellow defender Harrison Minton-Connell also had a strong game.
The Lions sit in fifth spot with the win and are now a game clear of the Kangaroos, who sit just outside the top six.
With results going their way, the Lions now also only sit a game behind third.
The Lions this week host bottom side Melton South.
Meanwhile in the netball, the Lions had no issues in accounting for East Point on Saturday.
After a loss in their last match, the Lions jumped out of the blocks against the Kangaroos leading 18-9 at the first break.
The margin increased to 21 points at half time. The Lions almost matched their first half out put in the second half, proving way too strong and winning 70-28.
Amalani Fauonuku scored 36 goals for the Lions, while Tara O’Grady shot 18 and Ruth Smith 16 goals. The Lions mixed things up with the lead blowing out.
The Lions sit in fifth spot and are two games clear of Ballarat which sits outside the top six.
The Lions this week face Melton South which is in eighth.
