The Sunbury Lions came away with a solid win against Melton South in the Ballarat Football League.
In a match the Lions needed to win to cement their spot in the top six, it took them a while to get going.
But once they did, the Lions did what they had to, as they came away with a 16.14 (110)-8.9 (57) win.
Lions coach Travis Hodgson said it wasn’t a match that would make the highlights reel.
“It was nothing to write home about,” he said.
“It made it hard to gauge with a big ground and windy conditions.
“They were competitive and in front at quarter time.
“We were able to open it up in the second quarter and able to climb a little bit throughout the game.
“It was nothing outstanding, but it’s hard to be critical of a 10 goal win on the road.”
Alec Goodson kicked three goals for the Lions, with Andrew Duhau, Alik Magin, Mick Edwards and Tom Werner kicking two goals each.
Hodgson said Jayden Eales in the ruck and Magin in the middle were the two standouts.
Mick Edwards played his best match of the season.
Hodgson said first gamers Connor Lever and Jordan Taylor also performed really well.
He said they were making a focus of giving the younger guys a go.
“Our 19s are going quite well and are sitting third on the ladder,” he said.
“We’ve played 43 players in the seniors. We’ve played seven under-19s in seniors and its a good experience for them.
“It’s a no-brainer to squeeze them when we can.”
PHOTO GALLERY: Melton South vs Sunbury Lions
The Lions moved up the ladder to fourth and are percentage behind second.
Second through to fifth are just a game behind first.
Hodgson said any team could beat any one on their week.
The Lions this week face Ballarat.
Hodgson said would be a challenge.
“Ballarat have a good record at home,” he said. “It’s has danger game written all over it. It’s a big challenge for us.
“It will highlight how far we have come. You have to win finals up there.”
In the A-grade netball, the Sunbury Lions were at their best against the Panthers.
The Lions were quick out of the blocks and led by 14 goals at the first break.
They continued to push in the middle two quarters and led by 29 goals at the last break.
While they could have taken their foot off the pedal, the Lions continued on, with a 20-3 last quarter, to seal the 72-26 win.
The win keeps the Lions sitting on top of the ladder. This week they face Ballarat.
