The Saints looked almost unbeatable throughout the regular season dropping only 1 game along the way to being crowned minor premiers. The last 3 weeks however have been a different story for the Saints as they have dropped 2 consecutive matches. The first of these defeats was against Highfields in round 16 where the Lions stormed back from a 17 point third quarter deficit to record a stunning 9 point victory (65-56). This result is even more eye catching giving the blowout between these 2 sides in round 10 where the Saints belted the Lions 128-31.
Small forward Ty Snow was the major goal scorer in that round 10 encounter with 7 majors and has produced another successful season up forward for South Burnett finishing the regular season with 46 goals from 10 games played.
For the Lions, veteran Ben Adams booted 3 very important goals in the clubs round 16 victory and could prove to be a great foil for club leading goal kicker Luke Bianchi (30) and crafty goal sneak Zachary Chimes. Chimes played a key role in the Lions come from behind victory over the Chinchilla Suns in the elimination semi-final 2 weeks ago booting a game high 5 goals. This game bore a striking resemblance to the round 16 Lions Vs Saints clash with Highfields again storming home from a 3 quarter time deficit to win in overtime.
The potential on-ball match up of Adam Bowater (Saints) Vs Will Grundon (Lions) is a true reflection of experience Vs youth. Bowater has arguably been South Burnet’s most consistent performer over the last 3 seasons since the Saints inclusion into the Darling Downs senior competition. While Grundon has always been a standout junior talent for the Lions 2015 has proven to be his breakout year in the senior ranks. Grundon was outstanding with his contested ball wins against the Suns and has improved greatly with his decision making and poise with ball in hand.
One thing is for certain the Lions won’t want to make a habit of giving away starts any longer and will need a 4 quarter effort if they are to get the points in tomorrow’s game. Waiting in the wings are the Dalby Swans who will take on the eventual winner of this game in next week’s division 2 grand final.
Last Modified on 28/06/2016 14:41
