The Courier | TOP spot is now Redan’s to lose after dominating Lake Wendouree on Saturday.
The Lions were simply too good after half time, as Nathan Horbury kicked three goals off his own boot in the third quarter to drive a wedge between his side and the Lakers and steer them to a 13.12 (90) to 7.11 (53) victory.
Intense pressure and superior ball skills proved the difference in the end, as the maroon and gold returned to their usual supreme standard after half time.
Coach Eammon Gill admitted his side jumped out of the blocks slowly, arguably due to the fact it faced the bye last week.
“We were probably a bit slow after the bye, we took a while to get going,” Gill said.
“Full credit to the Lakers, they probably didn’t allow us to play how we wanted. We managed to open it up a bit after half time and play how we like to play.”
Horbury was once again best on ground for Redan, his silky left foot setting Wendouree Reserve alight.
Mitch Phelps was also highly effective, while Nick Willox booted three goals in the second quarter to pull his side in front just when the Lakers looked to be on top.
Conversely, Lake Wendouree lacked efficiency going forward when the game was in the balance.
The Lakers missed a number of chances to put a solid divide between themselves and Redan, but simply didn’t capitalise, much to the dismay of coach Gavin Webb.
“We really did miss chances to get further in front early in the game, which hurt us in the end,” he said.
“You can’t afford to do that against sides like Redan.”
It must be noted that the Lakers were without some of their most important players, which are due to return come finals. Steve Clifton, Matthew Tuminello, Ben Hayes and Isaac Kirby all watched on from the sidelines.
Webb felt Jackson Bowen was clearly his side’s best performer in the ruck, while also praising the efforts of Lane Buckwell and Tom Carey in defence.
With Saturday’s result meaning Lake Wendouree is now almost certainly consigned to finishing fourth, Webb said his side could start genuinely preparing for finals action.
“We were a bit undermanned but there’s no way we are using it as an excuse,” he said.
“Everyone has their injuries but when you have a side like Redan, you can just see their depth is what makes them so good.
“Once their pressure lifted we couldn’t handle it so we have to learn to get better pretty quickly.”
The Lakers have the bye next week before a final round clash against North Ballarat City, while Redan makes the road trip to Melton South.
