Lions roar against Parrots in second half

WHILE Moe eventually broke clear for a 47-point win at the Parrots’ nest, it was an enthralling contest for much of the game, the first term being a highlight for neutral fans, while the final stanza was full of happy memories for Lions supporters.

The game was still up for grabs at the last change, Moe leading by 21 points.

Moe was right on top early in the first quarter before Leongatha worked its way back to trail by just a couple of points at the first break, the Lions able to move the ball quickly and efficiently for much of the term while the Parrots had to work hard to gain territory.

Leongatha coach Trent McMicking offered his players encouragement at the first break, stressing what they did well after working their way into the quarter.

“You won it at the source; you got back to it, you started tackling, working together,” he said, praising the efforts of Tim Sauvarin during the term, with Kim Drew another who helped spark the Parrots into life, prepared to take the game on and snapping a composed major, Drew ultimately the beaten side’s best on the day.

With the likes of Riley Baldi and former Adelaide Crow Myles Poholke starring during the opening term, Moe at one stage led the inside 50s 16 to four before the Parrots kicked into gear with the last five forward 50 entries of the term.

Leongatha started brightly with the opening goal moments after the match began, that coming through Jenson Garnham, who later in the term again marked on the lead and goaled to cut Moe’s by then concerning advantage to 15 points.

Garnham proved the most viable forward target for the Parrots throughout the day, finishing with four majors, half of Leongatha’s goals, its other majors all singles.

Moe’s Harrison Pepper and Ben Crocker booted three goals each for the day including a couple in quick succession for Crocker leading into halftime to give the Lions a handy 14-point lead at the long break.

Declan Keilty and Jacob Balfour both managed a couple of majors for the day for the winning team, Leongatha’s defence being under pressure all match.

While Leongatha managed the first goal of the second half through Garnham after a measured pass from captain Tom Marriott and closed to within eight points of Moe, the remaining goals for the third term came through Crocker and Keilty, helping the Lions to a handy advantage at the final change.

When Keilty added another early in the last term, the assignment was getting tough for the Parrots, by then facing a 28-point deficit, Moe adding three more majors before a consolation goal to Garnham.

The Baldis are an onball force for Moe, Trent named the winner’s best ahead of ruckman Chris Prowse.

Garnham was listed as the Parrots next best behind Drew, the defensive efforts of Mitch Bentvelzen and Sauvarin also earning recognition.

The third-placed Parrots now face a challenging assignment on the road against Morwell, the Tigers sitting one rung below them and looking to bounce back from a loss to Wonthaggi.

Top-of-the-table Moe seems set for further success as it hosts winless Drouin.