The Sunbury Lions’ let slip a final quarter lead to be knocked out of the Ballarat Netball League finals on Saturday.
After finishing third in the regular season, the Lions were favourites heading into the match against Lake Wendouree.
At three quarter time the Lions looked like they would progress to the second week of finals, but the Lakers had other ideas.
The Lakers pushed the match to overtime and were able to hold steady late to win, 54-52.
Lions coach Kim Bailey said it was a disappointing way to finish the season.
“We had them,” she said. “We were up by six at three quarter time and let them sneak back into it.
“They got back and it went to overtime and we were up by one half way through overtime.
“We made some silly turnovers and some uncharacteristic errors leaked when they should not have.”
Bailey said the Lakers played a good game and did their research to shut down some of their bigger name players.
Amalani Fauonuku shot 32 goals for the Lions.
While disappointed with the result, Bailey said the season overall had been successful
“This time last year we didn’t have an A-grade side,” she said.
“Our first aim was to get all the teams on the court and we did that. The second aim was to make finals and we did that. The third aim was to win it, but we weren’t able to.
“I’m pretty sure most of the group of girls will be back next season with maybe one or two additions for another crack.”
The Lions C-grade side won through to the second week of finals, along with the D-grade side.
Meanwhile, the Lions reserves side is one win from a grand final after beating Sebastopol in a qualifying final and the under-19s are in the same spot after beating Darley.
Tara Murray
