Reigning premiers Royals move a step closer to securing top spot with emphatic win over Mt Barker

Royals moved a step closer to securing top spot and a home second semifinal after an explosive third quarter proved the difference in their 64-point win over Mt Barker at Sounness Park on Saturday. The Lions led by a single goal at the main change before they tore the game apart in the third term, slamming on nine unanswered goals and keeping the Bulls scoreless in the process. The 17.10 (112) to 6.12 (48) result guided the Lions to their sixth straight victory and helped them move two games and percentage clear on top of the ladder with four rounds remaining. Small forward Jayson Ford turned it on in the third stanza, booting all four of his majors in that period. Hamish McMorran was swung forward, booting two goals as the Lions opened up a match-winning 64-point buffer heading into the final term. The Bulls had four more inside-50 entries in the last term but could only manage 1.7 as the Lions kicked two goals at the other end. Declan McNamara received the match ball for his impressive display all over the ground across four quarters. McMorran slotted two goals and played well in the back half while Ryan Kinnear (three goals) and Ford (four goals) were also instrumental. Paul Donaldson and Lorcan McNamara also kicked three goals for the visitors. Lions coach Andrew Ruck said the first half was frustrating. “We only had three more inside-50s in the third than we did in the first term but we didn’t muck around with it,” he said. “When we clicked we moved the ball really well and got down to our big targets. “It was a good opportunity for our kids to stand up.” Mitch Jackson battled hard in the ruck for the Bulls to be their best contributor while Lee Pavlovich stopped numerous Lions attacks across half-back, youngsters Kyle Smith and Tristan Ballard were solid and Steven Scott was the only multiple goal kicker. “That third term was something else,” Bulls coach Brad Hook said “At half time I was happy along with the last term, but that third term was disappointing. “When they got a roll on we didn’t have the leadership out there to shut the game down. “We dropped our heads and it was a good learning curve but i was pleased with three of the quarters”.