A poor end to the Ballarat Football League season proved costly for the Sunbury Lions, with the side missing out on finals.
The Lions concluded its season 45 point loss to Darley on Saturday, to slip outside the top six and finish in seventh spot.
It was another slow start for the Lions, allowing Darley kick nine first term goals giving them a 46 point lead at quarter time.
The Lions rallied in the second term kicking five majors to the Devils three, cutting the lead to 32 points at the main break.
It was hard fought in the third quarter, with the sides going goal for goal. However, the Devils finished as they started kicking seven goals in the last to give them the 20.4 (124)-11.13 (79) win.
Cody Brand was amongst the Lions best kicking three goals while Joshua Guthrie booted two for himself. Best on ground for the Lions however was Cody Bramble who also slotted a major.
The Lions finish their season just a game outside the top six, with eight wins and losses and a huge percentage of 141.
However, after sitting at eight and four at the end of round 14, the Lions will be disappointed that they couldn’t capitalise and win one of their last four matches to secure a finals berth and missing finals for a second straight season.
Their losing streak included a heartbreaking two point loss to Bacchus Marsh who finished in eighth, a two goal loss to fourth placed, North Ballarat, as well as two promising performances against reigning premiers Melton.
Some of the highlights within the Lions season include Jake Sutton who kicked 37 goals from his 11 outings. Skipper Tyson Lever and young midfielder Harrison Minton- Connell were both named as one of the team’s best players in nine of their 13 games.
With finals starting next week, Melton will face Darley in a qualifying final, Sebastopol will face East Point, and North Ballarat will play Redan in elimination games.
