Lions on top in bruising contest

Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault recorded a gritty 7.8 (50) to 6.3 (39) win over the Collie Eagles on Sunday at the Collie Recreation Ground. For football fans who relish heavy hits, bruising tackles and snap decisions under pressure, this game rewarded them in spades. Although the visitors always had their noses in front on the scoreboard throughout the day, the Eagles refused to let them break the game open. Lions forwards were marked tightly by Eagles defenders, which resulted in every disposal becoming worth its weight in gold. However it was the work of Lions ruckman Jack Fletcher — who gradually overpowered his quality opponent Paul Rinder — which ultimately ensured the visitors held their nerve when challenged late in the game. Others who shone for the victors included Ty Anderson, who torched the Eagles on the wing all afternoon, and Brendan Tingey. After the game, Lions coach John Baggetta praised his side’s work ethic, given a number of players were unavailable because of injury. “Everyone goes through it, but we have had quite a few injuries in our top end,” he said. “So the last few weeks we have been able to put some games into our kids. “To come out with four points, sometimes it is not pretty, but at the end of the day we are winning games.” Baggetta feels the Lions could be in prime position by the end of June if they continue to build on their present momentum. “Over the next few weeks, we will slowly introduce a few guys back,” he said. “And hopefully by the end of the opening round, we will have all of the pieces back in place. I hope we can keep ticking over these wins which could be 50-50 games and end on the right side of the ledger.”