Fast-start Lions impressive

Royals remain in touch with ladder leaders North Albany after a 60-point win over a persistent Albany on Sunday afternoon at Tigerland.

A dominant opening term set up the Lions’ victory as they cruised to their eighth win of the year with a final score of 12.16 (88) to 4.4 (28).

The Lions got off to a hot start, booting five goals to none in the opening quarter and dominated possession.

However, the Sharks managed to stay with the Lions for the next two quarters as they tightened up across the ground and kept the margin to 39 points at the last change.

Four goals in the final quarter ensured the win as the Lions locked in second spot, wedged between the Kangas and Denmark-Walpole.

Midfielders Michel McGlade and David Parker accumulated plenty of the ball with Parker also adding three goals. Jayson Ford was the Lions’ most dangerous forward all day and ended with five goals while Jack Banks and Etienne Vorster played well for the Sharks.

Lions coach James McRae said it was a good win.

“I thought we stuck it out really well — the Sharks played well, they had good pressure around the ball and moved it well, but I think it was a reasonable win for us,” he said

“It would have been nice to get a bit more scoreboard pressure — there were probably too many points again.”

Sharks coach James Eaton was impressed with his side’s accountability and attack on the ball

“The boys played a really good brand of footy and it’s starting to be consistent with the way they attack the ball,” he said.