The Courier |
REDAN fought out a gruelling victory over Lake Wendouree in muddy conditions at City Oval on Saturday afternoon.
It was an important four points for Redan, as they battle with sides around them to stay in the top three at the business end of the season.
The Lions controlled the contest out of the middle, giving their forwards every opportunity to convert.
They were inaccurate however in front of goal, particularly in the second term where they kicked 2.9.
Mitch Phelps was prominent for the Lions playing across half-forward along with Leigh Ryall, while defensive playmaker Tom Lamb set up numerous attacking forays for the home side.
Redan coach Eammon Gill was satisfied with his side's second half performance.
"We were outplayed in the first quarter, but I felt we controlled the game well after quarter-time," he said.
"Our accuracy in that first half is maybe something we need to work on, but once we did get our chances in the second half we took them which was pleasing."
Gill cited that the match would serve as good finals preparation for the Lions.
"There were lots of numbers around the ball today and it was a pretty contested match, much like finals conditions. So it was pleasing we were able to break the game open in the second half."
It was a tight contest from the start, with Lakers looking good early and showing signs of causing an upset.
The teams traded goals early on in the quarter before Lake Wendouree took the lead late in the term with two quick goals to hold a 12-point lead at quarter-time.
After a sluggish start Redan began the second on fire, kicking the opener within 30 seconds to reduce the lead to one straight kick.
This signalled a momentum shift and the play was almost exclusively contained in Redan's forward half as a result.
However the Lions couldn't make the most of their dominance, kicking an inaccurate 2.9 for the term to hold a nine-point lead at half time.
The Lakers needed to strike early if they were to remain in the contest, but it was not to be for the visitors as Leigh Ryall snapped truly for Redan to open up a handy 16-point buffer early in the quarter.
The Lions would control the entirety of the third, as they extended their lead to 24-points at the final change.
Lake Wendouree had to produce a monumental victory if they were going to snatch victory.
However their hopes were dashed when a goal to Redan to open the term put a full stop on the arduous contest.
From that point the floodgates opened, Redan running riot in the final minutes to storm to victory.
