The Under 18's continued on their winning ways but again were forced to work very hard for victory. The Docker side out enthused us in the 1st half and took a narrow, but much deserved lead into the main break. A different Lions side emerged after half-time, as if sensing the urgency of the situation. Now first in for the ball, using the first option more often than not, and moving the ball quickly into the forward line the boys slowly got on top, then powered away in the final term. Sluggish starts in recent weeks have been a concern and we need to be on top of our game from the outset against Western Suburbs today.
The Reserves were trounced by runaway league leaders UTS on Saturday, and need a huge lift to be competitive with the Magpies today. The boys fought hard in the opening term, but from then on the Bats dominated proceedings, keeping the Lions goalless in the 2nd and 3rd terms, before a late rally added some respectability to the scoreline. It's a big few weeks for the side and it starts with a good week on the training track and a committed performance today.
The Seniors got back on the winners list with a hard-fought 14 point win over the Dockers. Drummoyne Oval has not been a happy hunting ground for the Lions since our elevation to the Premier Division, but the players were determined to bury that hoodoo from the outset. Somewhat wasteful in front of goal early we trailed narrowly at quarter time, but the Dockers turned it on late in the 2nd term and the Lions trailed by 3 goals at half-time and looked in trouble. The group was asked to lift and delivered in the 2nd half. A more desperate team emerged and took control of the mid-field, which in turn put the Docker defence under pressure on the small Drummoyne Oval. In the end the boys delivered a great come from behind victory.
Next Home Game: Saturday August 1 v Pennant Hills
Next Social Function: 2009 Lions Trivia Night @ Wollongong City Tennis Club - Saturday August 15