Sunbury Lions took the points against Melton in difficult conditions in the Ballarat Football League on Saturday.
The Lions were the cleaner of the two sides in wet and muddy conditions at Macpherson Park and it showed on the scoreboard as they won 13.16 (94)-6.6 (42).
The Lions led early and were able to extend a nine-point quarter-time lead to 23 points at half-time.
They stepped up their pressure in the second half and restricted the Bloods’ ball use and opportunities in front of goal.
While they weren’t able to extend the lead in the third quarter, the Lions restricted the Bloods to just one inside-50 in the last.
Lions coach Rick Horwood said that while his side could have won by more, he was a happy coach to have got the job done in those conditions.
Most pleasing for Horwood was again the even spread across the board.
“We’re building at the right time and everything seems to be going well,” he said.
“The midfield dominated once again and we’ve been working hard on defence.
“Ben McInneny had his best game at the club, while his brother, Jesse, is forming a good ruck combination with Kova [David Kovacevic].”
The standout though was Alik Magin, who was best on ground with more than 40 possessions.
Magin is one of the favourites for the league’s B&F award after being named best on ground six times, including the past three weeks.
Horwood was also full of praise for Jack Sullivan, who is finding his feet after missing last season.
“It’s good to see after he spent so much time out injured,” Horwood said. “He’s starting to find his straps and is an important cog in the team and one of the hardest players at the footy.”
The third-placed Lions have the bye this week.
Horwood said only three players were on the injury list – Nathan Wood, James Rizk and Jack Sheahan.
Wood was a late withdrawal on Saturday after being kicked in the shin at training.
It’s hoped he and VFL-listed player Daniel Toman will be available to play against Melton South the week after the bye.
Toman needs to play one more game to qualify for finals.
Meanwhile the Lions’ A-grade netballers maintained their fourth spot with victory against Melton. After leading by one goal at half-time, the Lions shot away in the second half, winning 56-39.
Amy Starzer shot 44 goals, with midcourter Sally Portbury was best on court.
