Injuries hamper Hill End’s efforts

IT WAS a wet and blustery day down and the Stony Creek racecourse as they welcomed Hill End to South Gippsland. 

Both teams were looking for their first wins of the season, respectively, with Hill End coming off a loss to Toora the week before, and Stony Creek being outclassed by Mirboo North. 

From the first bounce, it looked like Hill End was out to show that they wanted and were willing to stamp a mark on the game early. 

So quick midfield movement took the ball down into their forward 50 within the opening minute and they looked like they were going to open their account. 

However, some slick defence and a tight backline saw only a minor score and for the rest of the quarter, Stony held the Lions’ share. 

The second saw a much tighter contest, with both teams looking to maintain a grip on the game as the wind picked up and a drizzle started. 

Hill End looked to their captain, Aaron Fawcett, and recruit, Joshua Fairfull, who stepped up and took it back to the Creek to not let them run away with it, winning the quarter by a point. 

After the long break, with both teams sheltering from the Stony Creek doctor, saw a renewed charge from both teams, neither wanting to head into round 4, 0-3. 

Stony had the game in their grasp, with some slick ball movement from Tully Bernaldo through the centre and intercepting marks from coach Chris Verboon giving them solid outs, but Hill End were never far behind. 

However, the Lions still had run in their legs, especially with the conditions, and their more experienced and blooded team pushed just ahead in the last, with Colby Michael adding to his tally for 3 for the day, a good off-season recruit for the Maroons. 

In the end, the final margin was a 36-point win to Stony Creek.