One again the Lions put on a sensational sunny Winters day to welcome our friends from across the river, Penrith Swans. With five matches to be played at Dukes Oval as well as the Auskickers who kicked off the day and a night game for the older brigade, it was an early start for the Lions hardy group of volunteers.
In the Under 10's, the Lions came up against a strong Penrith side who were leading the comp and undefeated this season. In a match that had the crowd on their toes, the Swans were able to get the upper hand in the last quarter and win the match by just eight points. It was easily the closest any team has got this year to Penrith and the team is eagerly awaiting their next clash.
The Under 11's have really hit their straps in the last month. Despite only winning one game so far this season, they have taken it to comp leaders, St Clair twice in recent weeks going down by one point and two points respectively. This form certainly stood up when the Lions took on fourth placed Penrith and in another entertaining match, saw the Emu Plains/Glenmore Park outfit record an impressive 17 point win over a committed Swans side.
The Under 12's took to the field in the next match with Bryony Corless playing her 50th game for the Lions. In the first half it was the second placed Swans who dominated but a sensational second half by the underage Lions transformed the match into a real spectacle. Coach Dave batson was very impressed with his young squad, most of whom are eligible for under 11's and feels there are a few surpises in store for their opponents this year....and a word of warning to watch out for this team in 2009.
The Under 14's match was going to be a highlight of the day with the Swans (third) and the Lions (6th) both needing wins to stay in finals contention. A sensational match saw the lead change hands several times but when the final siren sounded, it was the Lions who came out victors by a mere three points. A great game of open, free flowing football that was well worth the admission price....and then some.
At 2:30 PM the final junior match of the day commenced with the classic "1 Vs 2" match between the two local teams. The Lions were missing a few but with the help of a few of the victorious 14's side on hand to back up, fielded a full team against the undefeated Swans. With the Swans dominating the early parts of the game, it looked a though the day might see it's first "Mercy Rule" be enforced by the umpires, but to the Lions credit, they kept on coming at the Swans and matched them in the second half. Well done guys in your quest for back to back premierships.
With the sun setting over Dukes Oval, the Over 35's "Masters" ended the day under lights which saw the Lions newly appointed junior umpires (and a bigger, taller and slightly older one) control the match which ended a day of great footy in Sydney West.
Thanks to Penrith Swans for making the trip out and all the players on provideing the big crowd and "incident free" round of footy. Again a big thank you to the volunteers who again put in a huge day (and backed up again for the Auskick Gala Day early the next morning. We couldn't do it without you
Last Modified on 22/11/2008 07:11
