Lucky Lakers escape Sebas scare

FIFTEEN-minutes of football was the difference in this one, as Lake Wendouree was able to slam home six majors in the second term to record their second victory for the season.

These sorts of fade outs have been a staple point of the Sebastopol Kookaburras for far too long now, as question marks around the club’s finals aspirations have resurfaced for the second straight season.

To be fair the injuries haven’t helped with the likes of Tony Lockyer and now Matt Austin, unlikely to return until post the interleague bye; however, they will be boosted with the return of spearhead Michael Powell, captain Tom Peterson and swingman Tim Rhook in the coming weeks.

Despite a shellacking in round one, the Lakers defence has been super impressive this season with the class on Josh Bibby on full display this past Saturday, as they held Sebas to only four scoring shots in the opening half.

Trailing by 33 points at half-time, Sebas was able to slowly drag themselves back into the contest with the next three goals of the match.

However, the Lakers did have an answer with goals at the 26th and 28th minute respectively restoring a four-goal lead going into the final break.

At his three-quarter time address, Sebastopol coach, Leigh Hutchinson, was very stern with his message to his chargers.

He highlighted the 16-2 inside 50s in the third term and challenged his players to take the game on a little more if they were going to be able to keep their undefeated start to the season alive.

It wasn’t enough though, as Lake Wendouree was able to hold in the final term in a scrappy affair.

The Lakers take on an ever-improved Redan this weekend and will be hoping their young defence can once again hold firm against a Lions line-up that is averaging 140 points a game this year.

For the Burra it doesn’t get any easier with the toughest test in local footy waiting for them on Saturday in the reigning premiers East Point. Their record against top sides in recent years will give them some hope as the regain that ultimate underdogs status in the Ballarat Football Netball League once again.