The Lions Reserves have won their fourth game of the season defeating the Gold Coast Suns 13.11 (89) to 11.11 (77) at Brisbane’s home ground this afternoon. In a tight contest, the winless Suns were overcome by the young Lions side, adding to their woes as wooden-spooners.
After a narrow defeat at the hands of the Northern Territory Thunder two weeks ago, the Lions were hungry for a win. Although Brisbane’s hopes of a finals appearance are unlikely, the young side showed promising signs with hardworking and aggressive attack on the ball.
Both sides started the game with a scratchy performance, with neither team effectively using the ball to their advantage. Yet, Brisbane quickly settled, kicking the first goal to begin the Saturday afternoon match. The unforced turnovers proved to be damaging for the young Lions team, with the Suns kicking four consecutive goals to lead at the first change. Zachary O’Brien was one of the leading possession winners in the first quarter, and maintained his efforts throughout the match, contributing effectively to the Lions side.
The second term began quickly with Brisbane clearing the ball from the centre of the ground and kicking the first goal to open the second quarter. While Brisbane’s backline were lazy in their spoiling efforts, the Lions managed to capitalise on the Sun’s missed scoring opportunities. An intercept late in the term allowed Brisbane to penetrate the goal line, and take the lead. Nicholas Hayes was valuable throughout the game, spoiling the efforts of his opposition and effectively carrying the ball to his teammates. Hayes’ tackling pressure was unrelenting, quashing the Suns attempts to successfully clear the ball from their backline.
After the half time break the intensity of the game escalated, and Brisbane proved to be the dominant side early, clearing the ball effectively from the centre in to a circulating forward line. Isaac Conway was also effective with his use of the ball in today’s contest, creating difficulties for the Gold Coast defenders. On numerous occasions, Conway quickly cleared the ball from a stoppage with penetrating kicks into the forward line. At the end of the premiership quarter, Brisbane led the Suns 11.10 (76) to 10.5 (65).
The fourth term was a tight contest, with neither side willing to give up. The ball was heavily contested at both ends, as the Gold Coast attempted to upset the young Lions. Yet, with the likes of Jordan Lisle and Jackson Paine in the forward line, the Lions Reserves maintained their lead and were able to defeat the struggling Suns. Lisle was particularly impressive in the forward line, leading today’s goal kicking with six goals.
The Lions will look to add to today’s efforts when they take on the Sydney Swans next Friday.
Brisbane Lions: 2.4 (16) 6.7 (43) 11.10 (76) 13.11 (89)
Gold Coast Suns: 5.1 (31) 7.4 (46) 10.5 (65) 11.11 (77)
Lions Goals – J. Lisle (6), M. Paparone (1), N.Robertson (1), J.Paine (1), J. Polkinghorne (1), S. Michael (1), L. Niland-Rowe (1), J. Freeman (1)
Lions Best – N. Hayes, I. Conway, Z. O’Brien, J. Lisle
