Decisive win for Hay Lions seniors
Harry Loughman was named amongst the best players on the field in the match against Ultima on Saturday. Image: Steph Cattanach.
By Hay Lions Football Club
In a highly anticipated re-match from the 2024 Grand Final, the Lions met Ultima Roos on their home turf in round three of Golden Rivers competition.
From the opening bounce, Ultima generated multiple clearances and turnovers in their half, which gave them a run of early inside fifties.
With several goals missed by the Roos, the Lions didn’t waste the first entry into their fifty, and through the craftiness of Jack Headon, the Lions were away.
By the end of the first quarter, though the Lions had dodged a few bullets. When they had chances, they took them, returning four majors from four entries in a perfect conversion display, that set them up for the match.
The inaccuracy of Ultima’s forwards and turnover pressure from the Lions mids and backs who rallied when the heat was on, saw the Lions lead at quarter time 4:1 to 1:4.
The Lions made a statement in the second quarter getting a flow on in the goal square with the wizard Headon bagging four goals, to take his half-time tally to six.
An intimidating aerial and ground presence, Headon was always in the right spot, untouchable and running rings around the defence. Potency factor also increased in the forward line, with the return of key forward Declan Watson, who didn’t take long to impact the scoreboard, booting three goals heading into the major break.
The Lions maintained high energy and relentless defensive pressure to stay on top, and were well in the box seat for the second half, holding a 38-point lead.
In the third quarter, both teams applied immense defensive pressure and contested hard for clearances, with turnovers inside both fifties. Play swung from end to end, and the scoreboard trading point for point.
A kick-out blunder from Ultima deep in Lions territory broke the deadlock, with the left boot of Dyl Collis in prime position to make the Roos pay.
A goal to Harry Loughman right on the siren saw the Lions head into the final break with a commanding eight goal lead.
A mismatch between opportunity and execution saw another wasted quarter for Ultima, who failed to place any score board pressure, adding only five points.
A similar pattern of tight contests and repeated stoppage in the last quarter ensued, as both teams tried to find space and create opportunities.
Though Ultima did win the final quarter, the Lions ran out convincing 41-point winners. With a return trip to Ultima in round 8, it’s guaranteed the Roos will be breathing fire next time the teams battle it out.
Final score: Hay 14:12 - 96 Ultima 7:13 - 55
Goals: Jack Headon 6, Jacob Watson 3, Declan Watson 3, Harry Loughman, and Dylan Collis.
Coaches top six - Brad Pocock, Jack Cattanach, Jack Headon, Joel Crocker, Jacob Watson and Harry Loughman
A contested mark beast, Brad Pocock was rock solid and reliable in the air, intercepting and pumping the big fist to halt Ultima’s forward transition in its tracks.
Using his strength and stamina, Jack Cattanach repeatedly absorbed the contest from centre clearances. Sustaining a high work rate for four quarters, Jack was everywhere in the mid field, tactically supreme, and highly influential at both ends of the field.
Jack Headon was a handful for another opposition for the third week in a row. His rapid change of direction and aerial prowess made him difficult to predict and defend against.
An elite decision maker at critical times, Joel Crocker was typically composed and tactically excellent in controlling the backline offensive and defence response.
Jacob Watson was at his ball-winning best from centre clearance bursts that had Ultima spinning and clutching air, as he powered towards the Lions attacking zone. Contributing three goals to the Lions total was a valuable scoreboard contribution.
Harry Loughman impacted more as the game went on, and worked hard defensively inside the Lions fifty, presenting often and hitting the scoreboard.
