The Sunbury Lions fell just short against Darley for a second time this Ballarat Football League season.
The Lions entered Saturday’s clash keen to try and knock off one of the top two sides, having suffered both their losses against them.
There was nothing between the teams at quarter time, with the Devils getting out to a small 10 point lead at half time.
Sunbury found its groove in the third quarter as it kicked seven goals to none to open up a 31 point lead heading into the final quarter.
It would prove to be not enough.
The Devils kicked the first seven goals of the final quarter to open up a 14 point lead.
Jake Sutton got one back for the Lions late but it wasn’t enough as they lost, 11.12 (78)-11/4 (70).
Sutton finished with five goals for the Lions and was named their best.
Skipper Tyson Lever and Sean Reilly were other standouts for the Lions.
The Lions slip to fourth behind East Point with the loss.
It was a tough day for the Lions netballers as well, with the A-grade side losing its first match of the season.
It was a rematch from last year’s grand final, with the Lions missing some key cogs in the attacking end.
Darley led at each of the breaks on the way to a 58-47 win.
Rebecca Hicks shot 33 goals for the Lions.
Despite the loss, the Lions remain on top but the gap has been reduced to two points with the Devils sitting second.
