Sunbury Lions suffered a shock first loss in the Ballarat Football League.
After two weekends without a game, the Lions failed to fire as they returned to the field against North Ballarat City.
Making the trek up the highway to Ballarat for the first time this season, the Lions led at quarter-time by four points, but that’s when it all started to go wrong.
The Lions were held goalless in the second quarter and trailed by 31 points at half-time.
The lead was extended in the third quarter, with North Ballarat City well and truly in control.
North Ballarat capped off the win with a four goal to two last quarter, winning 14.9 (91)-6.10 (46).
William Young was best on ground, kicking eight goals and outscoring the Lions on his own.
For the Lions, Ben Guthrie was the only multiple goalkicker with two goals.
His brother Josh Guthrie was named the Lions’ best, alongside Andrew Duhau and Lachlan Bramble.
The loss is the Lions first after winning their opening four matches.
The result sees them slip from first to third – one of four teams sitting on 20 points.
In other results, Bacchus Marsh smashed Ballarat, Melton was too good for Redan, Sebastopol shocked Darley and Melton South remains win-less after losing to Lake Wendouree.
The Lions this week face Sebastopol, back at Clarke Oval.
The Lions women’s side lost to Burnside Heights 7.10 (52)-3.9 (27) in the Essendon District Football League women’s competition.
