A GOALLESS second half undid Melton South’s fighting first two quarters in a 49-point loss to Sunbury Lions in Ballarat Football League on Saturday.
The 8.6 (54) to 16.7 (103) defeat leaves Melton South (4-8) two games out of sixth spot with a considerably worse percentage than Ballarat (6-6).
After an undisciplined start from the Lions when they conceded three of four first-quarter goals from free kicks or indiscretions, the home side eventually steadied to gain control of the match at Clarke Oval.
Sunbury’s Adam Short was sent off the field halfway through the first quarter and reported for striking for an incident behind the play involving Melton South centre-half forward Jake Trotter.
Short received a red card and was disqualified for the rest of the match, with the Lions reduced to 17 men for 20 minutes.
Just two points separated the sides at quarter-time, and at half-time 18 goals had been kicked in the match, despite the wet conditions.
After half-time, it was all the Lions, however, with the Panthers not kicking a goal for the rest of the match, while Sunbury slammed on six majors to be 49-point winners.
For the Panthers, Adam Legett and Bradley Cottam held their heads high in defence and were the standout performers for the day.
Melton South can afford no slip-ups in the run home if it is to play finals. It starts with Melton at home this weekend, then Ballarat away at Alfredton Oval on August 10.
— Ballarat Courier
