Lions win a platform to build on

REDAN coach Ashlee Smith believes a breakthrough win against East Point last Saturday will breed confidence in the playing group.

After a pair of close misses, including a nail-biting four-goal loss to reigning premiers Sunbury on Good Friday, the Lions got the confidence boost they needed in a five-goal win over the Kangaroos at Eastern Oval.

They showed plenty of resilience to fight back from a three-goal deficit at quarter-time, to even up the scores at half-time.

Still tied at 30-apiece at three-quarter-time, the Lions saved their best for last, underpinning a courageous win with a 12-7 final term.

Back in the lineup for the first time this season, playing coach Smith hailed the win as a reward for effort following two narrow losses.

“I’m definitely relieved to get something on the board – there’s been a few close calls – but it’s the first week we’ve had our full team,” she said.

“The first two games were great contests – I was pretty happy with them.

“We’ll definitely be prepared for those teams next time.

“I’m not too sure what things will look like going forward, but it’s promising.”

Smith, who missed the Lions’ first two games due to national championships commitments with Victoria’s open mixed team, praised her team’s strong rebound from defence and patience in the midcourt.

Encouragingly for Redan, recruit Tahlia Thompson shone at goal attack, topping all Lions goalscorers with 20 in her three quarters on court.

“We really worked hard throughout that last quarter, pressure-wise, to maintain the lead,” Smith said.

Smith gave full credit to East Point for a tough challenge, underpinned by the accurate shooting of Olivia Ashby and Lauren Jew.

Ashby led all players on the court with 28 goals.

The Lions were unlucky not to have already had some points on the board after their draw against Bacchus Marsh in round two was overturned on appeal, giving the Cobras a one-goal win.

They will look to carry their momentum into this Saturday’s clash against Sebastopol, which is coming off a 24-goal loss to Melton and still looking to settle on its best lineup.

With a trio of competitive performances under their belts, Smith is happy with the Lions’ progress so far this season.

“I’m really liking our versatility; we’ve got heaps of combinations in our goaling ring and in our midcourt,” she said.

“We’re well prepared for any combinations we come up against.”

In other games this Saturday, Lake Wendouree (3-0) will look to extend its unbeaten start to the season against Darley (2-1); Ballarat (0-3) hosts top-of-the-ladder Sunbury (3-0); and Melton (1-2) and North Ballarat (2-1) clash at MacPherson Park.

Bacchus Marsh and East Point played their round four game on Good Friday, with the Cobras emerging victorious 34-28.