It wasn’t pretty, but the Sunbury Lions got a much-needed win in the Ballarat Football League.
Having lost four of their past six games, the Lions couldn’t afford to drop Saturday’s game against second bottom side Melton South.
The Panthers took it up to the Lions early on and had a three goal lead at quarter-time.
But the Lions took the lead late in the second quarter and stayed in front for the rest of the game, winning 14.12 (96)-9.16 (70).
Lions coach Ben Jordan was relieved to get the win, though not overly impressed with how they did it.
“It wasn’t a great game of footy, there was a lot of errors,” he said. “It was a scrappy game …and we were happy to get over the line and get the four points.
“Our work rate lifted after the first quarter and we hit the front in the second quarter.
“The second half we out-worked them. We were happy with the win, but not the execution.”
Jordan said they couldn’t keep giving away leads like they did on Saturday, as the better teams will punish them.
With eight teams still in the mix for finals, every result is vital.
“Nothing is locked in,” he said.
“It was one of those games we had to get the job done. We have to keep on winning.”
Ben Guthrie kicked three goals for the Lions and was one of their best.
Jordan said Dylan Landt starred and his good form had been rewarded, with the 19-year-old now training with Essendon’s VFL side.
Other good players were Nathan Bridgland, Corey Hansen, Jack Landt and Patrick MacDonough.
The win sees the Lions move to fourth. The closeness of the competition means just eight points separates second and eighth.
The Lions this week face big improvers Redan.
Making the Lions’ challenge harder, they are yet to win in Ballarat in three attempts this season.
“We have to get one on the board,” Jordan said. “That’s where most of the finals will be played.”
Jordan said he was hopeful of getting some senior players back in the next three weeks. At the weekend they had 13 players out through injury, unavailability or VFL commitments.
He said Grant Valles and Aaron Christensen were among the most likely to be available first.
In the A-grade netball, the Lions defeated Melton South 49-39.
Renee Hulls, up from B-grade and Ruth Smith, shared the goals with 25 and 24 a piece.
Lauren Gilcrist was named the Lions’ best.
