By Tara Murray
The Sunbury Lions are slowly building in the Ballarat Netball League.
After last week beating East Point, the only team they’ve lost to, the Lions backed in up on Saturday with their highest score on the season.
The Lions were ruthless against Melton South on the way to a 72-26 win.
Injured Lions defender Suzi Johnson said it was a really strong performance with their side’s experience shown through.
“It really was a strong four quarter performance,” she said.
“There was a couple of lapses but we were able to bring it back.
“The girls set goals each quarter. Ash Hardy was dominate in defence, with her experience shining through.”
The Lions started off on fire, with a 21-7 first quarter to set the tone for the match.
It was 17-year-old Shelby Holter that did the early damage with 19 of the 21 goals in that first quarter.
“She’s playing some really solid netball at goal attack for a 17-year-old,” Johnson said of Holter.
“She’s getting more confidence in each game.”
The Lions built the lead throughout, saving their best quarter to last. They outscored the Panthers 20-3 in the final quarter.
Amanda Cusack shot 42 goals for the Lions.
PHOTO GALLERY: Melton South vs Sunbury Lions
The win came with coach Adam Boldiston overseas for the Netball World Cup.
Johnson, who has been coaching on the sidelines while Boldiston is away, said with an experienced playing group they knew what they had to do.
“With Taz [Tarryn Munro] and Ash on court they are taking the lead. They know what needs to happen on and off court.”
Johnson said she was hoping to return to the court before finals.
She’s been out of action due to a broken foot. She came out of a moon boot on Monday night.
The Lions remain on top of the ladder, a game clear of North Ballarat City and East Point.
Johnson said while a minor premiership would be nice, that’s not their focus.
“We want the big one,” she said.
“We’ll keep building and not let the foot off.”
Four of the Lions other netball sides are on track for finals. Only their E-grade side, which has different players each
