Start makes difference for the Lions

BRAD GORNIAK

A FAST start ensured Wollongong Lion’s first win of the Sydney Premier League AFL season.

The Lions played host to a disappointing North Shore who never really challenged, eventually going down 12-17-89 to 9-9-63.

Wollongong’s first quarter was a solid foundation for a good all-round performance.

They went in at the first break with a 26-point lead, while North remained goal-less.

North fought back in the second quarter to outscore the hosts, but were still trailing by 23 points at the main break.

A three goal to one third term in favour of Wollongong all but sealed the game, with the Lions in front by 39 points at the final change.

However, it could have been a more convincing win on the score board if not for inaccurate kicking, a problem which has hindered Wollongong in its first three matches.

In the final term North Shore added some respectability to the scoreboard outscoring the hosts by 13 points.

Troy Bartlett was the stand out played on the day, controlling play from the start and managing a couple of goals and Sam Dowling and Michael Dombroski also put in strong showings for the Lions.

Ben Attwood was North’s best player followed by Ronald Wason who booted four goals for the visitors.

On Saturday, the Lions travel to Village Green to take on UNSW/Eastern Suburbs, which have had a solid start to the season winning two of their three matches to date.