Seymour continues its quest for September action after notching another comfortable 25-goal victory in the GVL regular season on Saturday.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
The Lions tenuously remain in second spot on the ladder, level with Shepp Swans in third, though with their ledger sitting at 8-1-2 with seven rounds to go, it’s almost certain the Lions will feature in finals.
Buoyed by home court advantage at the weekend, Seymour got off to a flying start against bottom-six side Rochester, with the Lions’ defensive pressure creating numerous turnovers to result in an 11-goal lead by quarter-time.
The second quarter saw Seymour’s intensity drop in attack with the Tigers able to quell the Lions’ potency around goal, but it was a high intensity third term — and fresh legs — that saw the Lions return to their best.
And while disciplined play at times from Rochester pushed the Lions in the final term, the home team controlled the play and finished strongly.
Seymour attacking duo Ellie O’Sullivan and Jessica Lallo again shot well and shared the load in the Lions’ goal-ring, defender Sarah Szczykulski was the general in the back court, while Nikita Singe was another who impressed.
Seymour will travel to face eighth placed Mansfield on Saturday, as the Lions continue to put their foot on the gas in the second half of the season.
Final score: Seymour 16-11-14-11 (52) def Rochester 5-6-8-8 (27).
B-grade
Seymour 48 d Rochester 38
It was a slow start for Seymour with Rochester making its opportunities count.
Mid-court changes for the Lions provided height and speed.
The team put on defensive pressure and the Lions’ goal shooting rewarded those efforts.
Both teams went goal for goal in the third quarter and Rochester held a two-goal lead at three-quarter-time.
The Lions dominated the final quarter with speed and transition.
Lyndel O’Sullivan and Mariah Baumann shot well at every opportunity — Baumann shot a massive 18 goals in the last quarter.
Georgia Engel, Courtney Aldous and the Zotti sisters were outstanding in defence, creating the turnovers to get the win.
Best players were Mariah Baumann, Georgia Engel and Andrea Mckenzie.
B-reserve
Seymour 37 d Rochester 35
It was a very even game. Birthday girl Chloe Symons worked hard in defence, creating turnovers.
Bianca Schache returned this week, providing height in the goal ring and shooting accurately.
In her 100th game for the Lions, Georgia Velt took the centre bib and controlled the game. She took several intercepts which were then converted to goals to get the girls the win.
Best players were Chloe Symons, Bianca Schache and Georgia Velt.
U17
Seymour 50 lost to Rochester 51
Rochester started strong in the first quarter and was ahead by five goals at one point, however Seymour fought back to be within one goal at the end of the first term.
Great defence by Seymour in the second quarter saw it control the game.
Rochester’s accurate goals and dominant midcourt saw it outscore Seymour in the third quarter.
Rochester got the win after a close contest, going goal for goal with Seymour in the last quarter.
Best players were Ruby Martin, Bridie Cantwell and Olivia Barry.
U15
Seymour 28 lost to Rochester 45
Despite having most of the play, the Lions threw away countless opportunities as a result of Rochester’s tight defence.
But the girls began to refine their skills and have faith in each other.
Tireless efforts from Grace Barry and Jordyn Beattie provided the Lions with a number of turnovers.
Imogen Cafasso moved into wing defence and denied her wing attack space and drive. Ashlyn Webster had great vision, hunting in defence and picking off high balls.
Best players were Ashlyn Webster, Grace Barry and Jordyn Beattie.
Sports journalist