SUNBURY’S experienced leaders stood up and took charge to score a hard-earned eight-point win against Melton South in Ballarat Football League’s Anzac Day-eve match.
The Lions led at every quarter break but never escaped to an arm’s-length margin in the 9.10 (64) to 8.8 (56) win under lights at Clarke Oval.
Lions’ coach Rick Horwood praised the relentless efforts of both teams, battling through constant rain.
It was senior Lions – ruckman Pat Cariss, onballer Jay Cheep and midfielders Jamie Lobb, Michael Coleman and Ross Sleight – who lifted in a tight finish.
“It was a really hard-contested game of footy and the league would have to be pleased. I haven’t seen a close round one game like that for a long time,” Horwood said.
Melton South coach Shane Geddes said his team had its chances but the Lions’ final goal hurt.
“We had the ball in our midfield and needed to clear it but they put the pressure on, forced the turnover and moved the ball to their forward line to goal,” he said.
“Our guys didn’t give up at all … it was never a game that got away from us and the game could’ve gone either way.”
Fifteen-year-old Panther Daniel Hillier held his ground on debut while fellow first-gamer Mitch Portoglou impressed with his determination and jump in the ruck against the bigger, more experienced Cariss.
Panthers midfielder Matthew Nottman worked hard while Anthony Hibbert and Liam Toohey persisted in the Panther’s inexperienced backlines.
– Melanie Whelan, Ballarat Courier
