MOMENTUM is building for the Narooma Lions Seniors with the abating of injuries and a mid-season rally of old and new players is occurring at Bill Smyth Memorial. With the geographical absence of stalwarts, Andrew “Milko” Cowley and Will Farrell the Lions still managed to field a strong side that was primed for its encounter with the Bega Bombers on the weekend.
The recent resurgence of interest and availability saw big man, Jordan Lang return for his first game in 2014. Lang, who had previously been absent due to work commitments, was fired up for the encounter, which showed as he took control of the goal square. Some tall strong marking saw the Lions’ tall slot five goals during the second and third quarter.
It was a bruising encounter in which Bega seemed to try and make up for Narooma’s dominance of the clearances with hard hits. It was all to no avail, however as the Lions had taken the game away from the Bombers by halftime, leading by 48 points.
The benefit of signing up Narooma’s expat contingent Alexander Jones, Lance Musgrave (Merimbula), Jason Sauiluma and Joe Nugent for 2014 was clear at this point. The four Canberra based players formed a powerful network through the centre corridor of the field, generally taking just seconds to extract the ball from the bounce and deliver directly to the goal square.
The second half became a matter of triumph through disarray for the Lions and the physicality of the contest intensified as tired bodies manifested into tired attitudes. Both teams lapsed and gave away numerous 50 metre penalties. A melee erupted in the third quarter which saw the Lions’ unite around a dazed player after a solid aerial clash.
The lapses in discipline by the lions allowed Bega to get to within seven goals of the Lions early in the third quarter before injured player-coach, Rowan Hawkey injected himself into the game as if to “steady the ship”. Hawkey provided a clear voice and target up forward, kicking two goals late in the game to secure a 69 point win for the Lions.
The Lions Seniors now enter a two week spell with a bye this Saturday and the Queen’s Birthday break on the following weekend.
The under 16s however will be centre stage at Bill Smyth Memorial Oval this Saturday at 12.30pm, preceded by the under 13s at 11am. The young Lions are considered the club’s best hope for premiership success and are a great spectacle.
Scores from the weekend’s senior grade matches were Eden 6-10-46 defeated by Merimbula 16-13-109, Pambula 31-24-228 defeated Bermagui 2-2-14 and Tathra had a bye.
Bermagui’s hiding at the hands of Pambula leaves the door ajar for the Lions to enter the top four on the ladder in the coming rounds.
Last Modified on 11/06/2014 11:16