Football

It is a season defining month for the senior side and with plenty of injuries, the young Lions are standing up to the challenge. The boys more than matched it with the ever strong United team having the better of them for three quarters, with excellent run through the middle and accurate kicking up forward. For the second game in a row, only one rotation was available off the bench in the last term and it took its toll with United running over the top kicking eight goals for the quarter to win the game by 25 points. In the highest scoring game of the round, Saady kicked 7 with Dom chiming in for three majors. Jason Cole and Rory Scopel had over 30 possessions each dominating through the middle.

The reserves side has been doing what it’s meant to with a handful of young players stepping up for their senior debut over the past few weeks – last week it was Tim O’Sullivan who got his chance. With the young out, it was time for the old in with Haberman and Liddell slotting back into the side nicely. The boys started poorly, chasing tail in the first half with some undisciplined acts costing the side dearly. They kicked into gear in the second showing that they are a good team pegging the final margin back to 16 points in a disappointing loss. Rhys Clarke and Will Brock were dominant for the Lions.

The Under boys were the sole winners for the Lions last Saturday and put together an excellent game to be only one game out of finals contention. In a low scoring game, the first half saw an even contest between the two sides with the Lions keeping United goalless in the second quarter which went a long way towards to winning the game. It was all the Lions in the second half with run and carry off half back setting up the forwards who converted nicely. Hockley finished with five goals for the day with Tommy Martin kicking four and Whitey dominating.

Netball

It was a strong start by the A Grade Lion’s with no Knott or Kelly due to injury. Young forwards Brock and Ellie O’Sullivan worked well in goals all day, working hard to beat defender Kirsty Hommes who in the 2nd shut down the goals and created intercepts for United to take a half-time lead. The Lions worked hard in defence and deprived United of easy goals in the third with strong rebounds that were rewarded at the other end. It was another final quarter nail biter, however, United regained control in the final and finished strongly 14-9 to give them a three goal lead in the final few minutes. Seymour was unable to convert two late attempts to draw the match. Sarah Douglas was best on court.

The B Grade game was a physical game and at times intense. Seymour’s slow start saw United get a seven goal lead at half time. Abby Misiti entered the midcourt in the second half and gave more drive with Tegan Hansen. Alice O’Sullivan and Renee Sari combined well in goals giving the Lions a convincing 3rd 18-11 and drawing the match going into the last. A nail biting goal for goal final saw United finish strongly and convert missed opportunities by the Lions to win by one. Tegan Hansen played a strong game.

B Reserve was a very close match with Seymour having a four goal lead at half time. United worked hard through the mid court during the third and created turnovers to be within one going into the last. The final quarter was goal for goal with turnovers by both teams; however, United converted a last minute goal to take the win.

The 17 and Under girls met a more experienced Shepp United team, however, the young Lions fought hard until the end. United played controlled disciplined netball all match. The girls showed glimpses in the second half but were not able to match the intensity. Carissa Grant left the court with an ankle injury after playing a great game, but the girls continued to push on and not give up.