Hay Lions Seniors Report Round 10
25th June 2016

The Hay Lions Seniors recorded their most important win of the season so far on Saturday afternoon, accounting for the Macorna Tigers by 54 points. Inspired by the return of coach Simon Bunyan, the Lions never trailed in an important win over one of their closest rivals on the ladder, leapfrogging the Tigers into fifth place.

The match started in near perfect conditions for footy despite being wet under foot following another week of wet weather. Needing to start the game with intensity, the Lions finally produced the brand of football they are capable of and jumped out to an early lead. Bunyan, on his return following 6 matches on the sidelines, kicked the game’s first goal and set up the next as the Lions moved the football with purpose through the middle of the ground. Macorna settled and added another two goals themselves, but a late Lions goal saw them take a 9 point advantage into the first change.

Kicking into the breeze in the second quarter, the Lions continued to battle hard through the midfield. It was the Lions younger brigade who led from the front, with Thomas McGufficke and Darcy Booth playing pivotal shut down roles on the Tigers midfielders. With Ricki Waters again instrumental on the wing, the Lions looked dangerous going forward threatening to score with every forward 50 entry. With the Lions holding a slender 8 point lead at the long change there was everything to play for in the second half.

The third quarter saw the Lions produce arguably their best quarter of the year. The ball movement forward was crisp and accurate and the backline was steadfast and reliable, repelling the Tigers attack. Bunyan was proving a handful in a new role up front and opened the game up by kicking 2 crucial goals for the stanza. With Luke Arandt roaming half forward with intent and Taylor Williamson kicking goals from everywhere the Lions blew the game open with a five goal to two quarter. The three quarter time margin was 29 points and the Lions were roaring home.
The first 5 minutes of the last quarter were always going to be crucial, and it was the home side that put the game to bed kicking the first three goals of the period. Macorna battled gamely and replied with two of their own, but late goals to Jason Henderson Williamson sealed the important victory for the Lions and reignited their finals chances.

Waters was once again the Lions best with a clinical display of ball use and attacking football. He finished with two goals in another best on ground performance. Mitch Busch and Jermaine Dixon were outstanding across half back, restricting the Macorna forwards and providing important run and carry out of the Lions defence. The young gun trio of McGufficke, Booth and Arandt rounded out the Lions best, displaying maturity beyond their years by stepping up against quality opposition. Bunyan finished with 5 goals in a welcome return to the side, with Williamson and Nick Baird both kicking three majors each.

The Lions now head into the last bye of the year sitting in fifth place on the GRFL ladder, one win behind fourth place Nullawil. A crucial away clash to Quambatook awaits the side following the weekend off. The Saints are a quality side and knocked the Lions out of the finals last year so there is plenty to play for in a fortnight’s time.

Hay Lions 17.19.121 def Macorna Tigers 9.13.67

Hay Best: R. Waters, M. Busch, J. Dixon, T. McGufficke, D. Booth, L.Arandt

Hay Goals: S. Bunyan 5, T. Williamson 3, N. Baird 3, J. Henderson 2, S. Kennedy 2, D. Edwards 1, R. Waters 1.
Report thanks to Nick Baird