Sunbury Lions produced three strong quarters as they returned to the winners’ list in the Ballarat Football League.
Coming off a disappointing performance the week before against North Ballarat City, the Lions were challenged to respond.
Getting a good start was the key against Sebastopol, which knocked off reigning premiers Darley the previous week.
The first three quarters were all one way, with the Lions dominating across the ground.
A 58-point lead was reflective of how the game had been played. A last quarter comeback added some respectability for the Burras, but the Lions still had a good win, taking the game 14.4 (88)-7.8 (50).
Lions’ coach Ben Jordan was happy with how the team responded and showed some real aggression at the ball after the previous round.
“It was a really good three quarter effort,” he said. “It was a good response, the energy levels were up and we made a statement early.
“I think Sebastopol is a dangerous team.
“They have four or five VFL talent players and we put a big focus on negating them.
“We were able to do that and get the game on our terms.”
With the game already over at three-quarter time, the Burras threw everything at the wind in the last quarter and outscored the Lions five goals to two in the final term.
Jordan said it was disappointing to finish that way and they know they can’t drop off like that in big games.
“They started to take the game on a little bit more with the game out of reach.
“We were a little bit loose and they played some good football.
“We need to concentrate for the whole 120 minutes.”
Jack Landt kicked five goals for the Lions in his best game since returning to the club.
Jordan said Landt benefited from the work done up the ground.
“Jack is a good finisher and he doesn’t need a hell of a lot of the ball.”
Other standouts were Grant Valles up forward, Nathan Wood in the backline and Mitch Conn in the middle.
Jordan said Jack Fenner played well in his first game for the club, while Liam Berry played his best game since moving across from Rupertswood.
The second-placed Lions this week face Ballarat at home, before facing ladder leaders Bacchus Marsh the following week.
“They [Ballarat] can be dangerous at home,” Jordan said. “If we do what we did against Sebastopol in the first three quarters, I think that form stacks up.”
The Lions reserves and under-18.5s also had wins.
Other winners were Ballarat, Darley, Bacchus Marsh and East Point.
Tara Murray
