The Brisbane Lions reserves have strolled to an emphatic victory against a depleted Gold Coast Suns reserves after a first round loss to Sydney, rolling the home side 20.19.139 – 7.8.50. The 89 point victory was played out in typically hot and steamy Queensland conditions, the mercury topping out at 30 degrees. But it was the Lions that withstood the heat and put the squeeze on their opponents, not allowing them any free run with ferocious tackling.

The Lions ball use was also much cleaner, delivering plenty of inside 50s to the hungry forwards on a silver platter, the major beneficiary of this being Jackson Paine, who kicked five goals – four in the first half. He was accompanied by strong performances from Rohan Bewick, Jono Freeman and seasoned backman Matt McGuire, who finished with 3 goals.

The first quarter started in dour fashion, with no goals kicked in the first seven minutes. However the floodgates soon opened and the Lions shot out to a 21 point quarter time lead. The highlight of the quarter was a deft one handed pick up and strong don’t argue from Jono Freeman which resulted in a left foot snap goal from young WA native Jimmy Rayner. Raines and Robertson used the ball well in the midfield, controlling the ball and providing potency going forward.
The Lions continued their domination in the second quarter, pushing the margin out to 53 points thanks to five unanswered goals before the main break.

Draftee Tom Cutler impressed with 30 disposals and six inside fifties, whilst Nick Robertson provided some potent run and carry.

The Lions suffocated the Suns and didn’t allow them to dictate terms, forcing them to kick hastily on many occasions. The stats sheet showed the Suns lack of run, as they only racked up 70 handballs and were dominated in the overall possession count 388-220.

Play of the day belonged to Rohan Bewick, who made up for his dropped mark of the year attempt in the Seniors last week with an absolute screamer on the goal line in the second quarter, soaring over a pack and – this time – clinging to the Sherrin on the way down.

Archie Smith continued his improvement in the ruck, the former basketballer and St Laurence’s College old boy claiming 21 hit outs. Darcy Gardiner was staunch in defence, not allowing his opponents any breathing room and spoiling plenty of marks.

Tim Sumner was a rare shining light with two goals in a Suns team where no player managed to collect 20 touches.

The ressies premiership defence continues at Victoria Point next week, taking on the Redland Bombers.

FINAL SCORE:
Lions Reserves:                 5.4          10.9        14.12     20.19.139
GC Suns Reserves:            2.1          2.4          5.5          7.8.50

GOALS:
Lions Reserves: Paine 5, Stevenson 3, Maguire 3, Bewick 3, Rayner 2, Robertson, Crisp, Bertoli-Simmons, Watson.
GC Suns Reserves: Sumner 2, Hunt, Mutu, Woosup, Herbert, Filewood.

BEST:
Lions Reserves: Robertson, Paine, Cutler, Bewick, Raines, McStay.
GC Suns Reserves: Sumner, Hunt, Sexton, Hutchins.