Lions stretch streak to eight on anniversary day

Royals wrestled control back after half-time to shake off a gallant Mt Barker, marching to their eighth straight win of the 2019 Great Southern Football League season on Saturday afternoon.

On a day where the club celebrated its 75th anniversary, the Lions lifted in the fourth term and kicked the only two majors as they emerged 23-point winners.

The Bulls entered the game without captain Peter Taylor and leading goal kicker Dionne Woods but after kicking three of the first four goals they led by 18 points.

The margin was trimmed to six points by quarter time and the home side were back in front by half-time after kicking the only two goals of the second.

The second term was dramatic as Bulls’ John Lee went down with an ankle dislocation and then Lions star Steven Edwards also came off with an ankle injury.

In the third term the Bulls led briefly but the Lions took a single-goal advantage into the last.

Michael McGlade put the home side 14 points up and then Corey Ward sealed the 10.15 (75) to 8.4 (52) triumph.

Trent Nesbitt booted four goals, while Brody Ogle, Tyrese Pickett-Miller and Poch Amores all starred for the home side.

“It wasn’t our best game, it took us a bit to get in our groove,” Lions coach Andrew Ruck said.

“We had five or six guys in the reserves who are putting their hand up to play league which is great for us.”

Taylor Powell (11 goals), Cameron Allison, Ruck and Ryan Flick were four big names to play reserves for the Lions.

Current West Perth-listed player Brenden Abbott returned to the Lions, collecting 15 disposals, five marks and one goal.

Veteran Sam Lehmann was superb in a losing affair while young pair Brent Parsons and Nitan Benavides were also among the Bulls best and Jesse Wynne finished with 30 touches, seven marks and a goal.

“We ran out of puff and they are hard to stop when they get that run and spread,” Bulls coach Brad Hook said.

“They absolutely belted us the last two times we’ve played that gives us confidence heading into the finals.

“John Lee had scans (yesterday) it might be a three-four week injury or it could be longer.”