Travelling to Tallygaroopna Recreation Reserve for their opening fixture, the Lions got it done while never relinquishing a first-quarter lead despite a strong final push by the Redlegs.
The Lions were all over the hosts in the first half, kicking an accumulative nine goals to Tallygaroopna’s five to give themselves a 24-point lead at the major break.
The tide began to turn in the third term as the Redlegs came out with a point to prove, but the Lions remained steadfast, the visitors extending their lead to 29.
The hosts weren’t going to go down without swinging, especially on home turf, and produced their best quarter of football for the match down the stretch.
Holding the Lions to just a single behind in the fourth quarter, Tallygaroopna finally found its legs, kicking 3.3 to bring itself within single digits for the first time in the match.
Despite a strong push to the final buzzer, the Lion’s first half dominance was too much of a hill to climb, the visitors escaping with an opening win in enemy territory.
The goal-kicking combination of Jonathan Pearson (5) and Christian Hatzis (4) proved potent for the Lions while Dylan Macfarlane (4) spearheaded the Redlegs’ attack.
While the first fixture was a successful venture for Stanhope, it’ll have its work cut out for it in round two as it returns home to face reigning KDL premier Murchison-Toolamba.
16°C