The Brisbane Lions Reserves have failed to redeem themselves against the Redland Bombers, going down by 31 points in a tight contest this afternoon. Brisbane looked hopeful from the outset, but the Bombers proved to be unrelenting, defeating the Lions Reserves 16.11 (107) to 11.10 (76) at Brisbane’s home venue.
Although Redlands were able to triumph over the Lions Reserves, the contest showed considerable signs of improvement after the Bombers defeated Brisbane by 107 points in round three.
The first quarter was an evenly matched contest, with the Redland Bombers leading at the break 3.0 (18) to 2.5 (17). After a scrappy start to the game, both teams settled with neither side looking particularly dominant. Brisbane were quick to start the match, kicking the first two goals of the opening term. Yet, the Bombers retaliated with three unanswered goals to close the quarter.
Redlands assumed themselves as the dominant side early in the second term, easily clearing the ball out of the centre to capitalise on the scoreboard. Flooding around stoppages made it difficult for both sides to gain clear possession, with much of the play in the second quarter lacking intensity. While Brisbane dominated in uncontested possessions, they were unable to effectively use the ball. Redlands exploited the Lions errors and went into the half time break leading by three goals.
After half time the Lions looked hopeful, kicking the first two goals of the premiership quarter. Yet, Redlands did not allow Brisbane to get back into the contest easily, providing the 2013 premieres with persistent forward press. The Lions were not defeated by the Bombers efforts going into three quarter time with a one point lead. In his anticipated return match, Ash McGrath was influential in the forward line kicking four goals despite the Bombers persistent backline pressure.
The final term showed the Bombers dominance in the league, overcoming the Lions efforts by 31 points. The fourth quarter was tight, with close contests and several lead changes. Brisbane provided pressure in the Bombers backline, forcing errors and capitalising on the scoreboard. Yet, the Lions were overcome, as the Redland Bombers eventually outworked the developing side.
Jackson Paine was a standout player in today’s contest according to coach, Gary O’Donnell. “The way Paine approached the game was really good,” Gary O’Donnell told lions.com.au.
“We had the personnel to have a better result, but they outworked us.”
Brisbane continues to show signs of development as the season progresses. The Lions will look to improve on today’s performance against the UWS Giants next week.
Lions Reserves:
2.5 4.5 9.8 11.10 (76)
Redland Bombers:
3.0 7.5 9.7 16.11 (107)
Goals:
Lions Reserves:
A. McGrath (4), J. Rayner (2), R. Lester (2), M. Close (1), S. Michael (1) T. Cutler (1)
Redland Bombers:
C. Hughes (4), D. Dzufer (3), L. Scott (3), P. Carse (2), B. Howard (1), J. Smith (1), D. Pfeiffer (1), D. Steven (1)
