Lions enjoy roaring win
Hay Lions faced off against Ultima at home on Saturday, resulting in a staggering win. The game started with Ultima getting first blood kicking truly to get a goal inside the first 5 minutes of the game. The Lions though settled into the game with a goal to Simon Bunyan and from this point the game went back and forth with both teams hitting the scoreboard and having their moments on top. The Hay backline was fighting hard to keep the Ultima scoring in check, led by Nathan Wilson, who was strong all day, and his fellow back men who worked hard right through the first quarter. Up four goals to three at quarter time the Lions lifted around the ground in the second quarter with the important touches coming on the outside and with Simon Darlow making his presence felt in the centre clearances, the Lions were able to win their share of possession, although Ultima continued to threaten. Pat Jubb was proving a strong presence at centre half forward, Brad Callaghan was dangerous in his first senior game, having a hand in an important goal and Liam Whitbourne kicked an important settling goal. At half time the Lions were up 44 to 22 but were still seeing Ultima win a lot of ball around the ground and were sure to challenge in the third quarter.The start of the important third quarter saw Hugh Crighton initially and then Tim Zambon take control of the centre of the ground. Hugh was best on ground in a dominating display of contested football that saw Ultima unable to get their hands on the footy through the majority of the third quarter. With Hay dominating possession the scoreboard pressure came as Hay’s young guns hit the scoreboard with Daniel Stewart, two in five minutes, Simon Darlow and Jensen Hargreaves all kicking goals in a dominant quarter, as the Lions kicked six goals to two for the quarter. The last quarter saw Hay dominate the early part as Cooper Scott playing back gathered possessions and kept repelling Ultima attacks, while Brad Pocock who had worked hard up forward all day kicked two early goals to get reward for his effort.
A couple of injuries disrupted the later parts of the quarter for the Lions as players shifted positions and the game slowed down as Ultima kicked a couple of consolation goals. The young lions however continued to run and scrap and when the final siren rang out the Hay boys had got their first win of the season in a dominant manner running out 53-point winners. Final Score Hay Lions 16.7.103 defeated Ultima 7.8.50. Goal kickers Simon Bunyan 4, Brad Pocock 3, Mitch Busch 2, Daniel Stewart 2, Simon Darlow, Jensen Hargreaves, Pat Jubb, Dillon Penhall, Liam Whitbourne.
Better players: Hugh Crighton, Nathan Wilson, Tim Zambon, Pat Jubb, Cooper Scott, Simon Darlow.
