Macorna Tigers mauled in the Lion’s den, Hay Lions continue undefeated for the season

By Hay Lions Football Club.

Macorna Tigers met the full force of the Lions at home.

Short of numbers and a few players doubling up from reserves, Lions found plenty of ways to exploit the Tigers on their way to racking up their biggest win of the season.

The opening quarter had plenty of heat, with the Macorna midfielders matching it with the Lions onballers to gain the first centre clearance and the opportunity to hit the scoreboard early.

Spraying the shot for no score, the Lions transitioned immediately into rebound attack, only to achieve a carbon copy of the Tigers result with a wide shot at the sticks and no reward.

From the first stoppage deep inside the Lions 50, a goal to Paddy Jubb and the Lions were away in what was to be a six-goal quarter, keeping Macorna scoreless in their lowest quarter time score of the season at 0:0 despite plenty of ball and inside 50 entries.

Some slick midfield work from Malcolm Neiwand couldn’t generate enough spark in the Tiger forward line with the Lions backline able to intercept in the air or win the ground ball, immediately turning defence in attack, adding to the woes of the opposition who had too many weapons to try and nullify.

As usual Jack Cattanach found plenty of ball from the onset, he was the everywhere man with hard ball gets and quick hands igniting many chains of attack.

The inform Paddy Jubb showed early signs he was in for a big game with two goals in the opening term.

Mobile, imposing and leading strongly, the ball stuck to his mitts like a magnet to metal.

A double also to the exciting Jensen Hargreaves, looking dangerous and showcasing different ways to score with a snap and a set shot sailing sweetly through the middle.

At quarter time Hay was already dominating, with a 6:3 39 lead to Macorna’s 0:0

The first 10 minutes of the second saw the ball swing back and forward between the arcs, with both teams making inroads towards their 50 zone only to see possession back in the hands of the opposition.

After a run of points the Lions were first to break the deadlock, with Will Collis squaring up Jacob Watson to notch the first goal.

From this point, the Lions midfield started to dominate most of the clearances with Macorna’s scoring opportunities drying up as they scrapped to stay in the game.

With too many quality players to put the clamps on, the Lions swung up a gear adding another five goals in quick succession while the Tigers in a telling story, failed to add anything to the scoreboard remaining stuck on 0:0 at the half-time break.

Declan Watson who always attracts the best defender, started to take space and find air, marking cleanly centre and front from perfectly weighted ball delivery or drawing frees from opponents unable to contain him without infringement to add three goals to his total.

The glaring difference between the two teams in the first half was Macorna’s inability to capitalise on some handy midfield work that broke down once it entered the 50 zone, picked off by the Lions defensive line with little resistance.

In contrast, the Lions were lively and proactive inside their attacking half with the half-time scoreboard reflective of the vastly different narratives.

Half-time Hay 12:7 79 Macorna 0:0.

The third began with a few firsts for the Tigers.

Winning the first centre clearance, they nabbed their first inside 50 mark and the chance to get a number on the scoreboard.

With the goal gone begging, the Lions transitioned through Jacob Watson using his speed and sidestep to weave his way unimpeded through Macorna defence hesitant to take him on.

Soon after, swooping on a ground ball, top of the square, Jensen Hargreaves lowered his eyes slotting his third goal for the match, kick starting the Lions goal scoring campaign.

Finally kicking a major for the Tigers did little to halt the Lions momentum with another six-goal haul widening the gap that had been out of reach since early in the first quarter.

Hay 18: 10 118 Macorna 1:2 8.

Coaches’ instructions at the beginning of the last were go out and enjoy yourselves, but do not let up the pressure.

The temperature rose in the final quarter with the Tigers defence on its knees unable to stop the Lion tsunami.

All eyes were on Declan Watson who with six goals at the end of the third, put on a goal scoring masterclass doubling his quota to finish with twelve in one of his most dominant individual performances in Lions colours.

Adding twelve goals in total blew the Tigers out of the water who in the end had run out of strategies and energy no doubt willing the game to be over.

Lions were a perfect balance of elite ball movers, hardworking forwards, and uncompromising defence.

With only two goals scored against them, the backline continues to impress, getting stingier and adding more scalps as the season progresses.

Final score: Hay 28:16 184 Macorna 2:2 14.

Coaches top 6: Declan Watson, Jacob Watson, Jack Cattanach, Jensen Hargreaves, Jack Headon, Paddy Jubb.

Goal scorers: Declan Watson 12, Paddy Jubb 5, Jensen Hargreaves 3, Jock Crighton 2, Jack Headon 2, Jacob Watson 2, Jack Cattanach 1, Will Collis 1.

It is first versus second when the Lions take on the Ultima Roos at home next Saturday in the rematch of the 2023 Grand-final.

Lions fought fiercely against Macorna Tigers, not giving an inch, to maintain their winning streak. Image: Steph Cattanach.