The Southport Sharks have furthered the woes of the Brisbane Lions reserves, outgunning them in a 33-point victory at H&A Oval.
The fast paced match opened ferociously with the Sharks keen to catch Brisbane off-guard following their bye. The Sharks applied intense and unrelenting pressure across the ground to ultimately secure the 12.11 (83) to 7.9 (50) victory on an overcast Gold Coast afternoon.
Southport made the Lions work hard for possession, applying fierce tackling through the middle of the ground. Strong winds ensured neither side could get a shot on target but goals from Shreeve and Burton finally broke the deadlock and gave the Sharks some breathing space.
O’Brien provided drive down the wing while Polkinghorne kicked truly to get the Lions on the board. Brisbane worked hard to keep up with the speedy Sharks midfield but it was Southport who went into the first break 12 points up.
The Sharks came out firing in the second quarter, emphatic tackling pressure and quick movement of the ball had the Lions rattled. Both sides were inaccurate in front of goal, sharing a couple of behinds each.
Archie Smith dominated in the ruck but the Lions couldn’t capitalise. Hard work around the stoppages saw the Sharks’ midfield deliver 15 more inside 50’s than their opponents in the first half. Southport had their breakthrough over 21 minutes into the quarter with Mallan’s thumping kick piercing straight through the middle.
The Lions rallied and produced an answer; back-to-back goals from Polkinghorne and Crisp ensuring the Sharks only took a 7-point lead into the main break.
Brisbane launched into the third quarter right where they left off. Smith controlled the ruck while Harwood (27 disposals) and Golby (26 disposals) provided drive into the Lions’ forward 50. The Sharks kicked two quick goals to edge them ahead but the Lions fought back.
Goals from Bewick and Driffield closed the margin to just a single point at the final change, setting the scene for a thrilling final quarter.
As the final term got underway, both sides opened with a quick goal each. A classic goal-for-goal shootout was looking likely as the Lions applied ferocious defensive pressure and drive into their forward 50. Southport would not surrender though; they weathered the storm and booted 5 unanswered goals to push the margin out to 33-points midway through the quarter.
O’Brien led the way through the center of the ground with 30 disposals while Polkinghorne (3 goals) and Bewick (2 goals) spearheaded the Lions attacking effort.
Brisbane continued to fight hard, but 5 unanswered Southport goals secured a second loss for the Lions in as many matches.
Southport 3.3 4.7 6.8 12.11 (83)
Lions Reserves 1.3 3.6 6.7 7.8 (50)
Goals
Lions Reserves
J. Polkinghorne 3, R. Bewick 2, J. Crisp , C. Driffield
Southport
J. Goldsmith 2, B. Wells 2, L. Shreeve 2, E. Mallan 2, F. Pope , S. Haslem , N. Burton , M. Brewer
Best
Lions Reserves
N. Hayes, R. Harwood, C. Beams, A. Smith, Z. O''Brien
Southport
M. Collison, L. Shreeve, T. Grayson, L. Hill, J. Burge, B. Wells
