Ricky Schraven proves too quick for his opponent and slots a goal on the run as Seymour notched a come-from-behind victory over Kyabram at Kings Park on Saturday. Photos: Wayne Herring.
They say it’s better late than never, and Seymour will no doubt be willing to overlook a little tardiness in getting their game going on Saturday against reigning premier Kyabram given the result.
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Hosting the Bombers at Kings Park for their round 11 Goulburn Valley League senior football clash, Seymour failed to lead at any break throughout the contest, but produced a blistering turn of foot in the final term to surge ahead 13.13 (91) to the visitors’ 10.9 (69) as the final siren sounded.
For much of the afternoon, the Lions, who have taken up residency in third spot on the ladder, didn’t look like they would be able to overcome the early lead built up by the Bombers.
If not for inaccuracy, the visitors probably should have led by more than the 17-point advantage they enjoyed at quarter-time, having kicked 4.6 (30) to Seymour’s 2.1 (13) as the two sides entered the huddle, and looked the much stronger side to that point.
Huw Jones was again one of Seymour’s best in the win.
The Lions, who are quietly shaping as a real threat come September, fought back in the second term but ran into some efficiency issues of their own in front of the big sticks, scoring on seven occasions but managing only 2.5 to Kyabram’s 2.1, and while managing to eat into the deficit, still trailed by 13 points at the main break.
It was a trend that continued in the second half, as Seymour continued to generate more scoring shots — six to three in the third term — but where the Bombers made the most of them, converting at 100 per cent to boot three majors for the quarter, Seymour could not, kicking 3.3 to trail by 10 points at the final change despite hitting the front momentarily.
The start of the final quarter suggested the Lions were going to have a hard time overhauling the 2025 champions, who replied to a Dylan Cook major with one of their own through Rhys Clark to push the lead back to 11 points as the clock began to tick down.
But what followed was a supreme display of scoring power, and one that should put the rest of the competition on notice.
Darcy Giles slammed Seymour’s second major of the term through shortly after Clark had goaled for the Bombers, reducing the margin back to five points, and it took a little over a minute for Rory Kennedy to then give the Lions the lead, snaring his second for the afternoon to put the home side in front by a single point.
Nic Quigg continued his strong run of form with another mention in the best at the weekend.
Wingman Jaron Murphy then made it a three-score game with consecutive goals in quick succession as the Lions’ blitz continued, getting out to a 15-point advantage, before skipper Jack Murphy put the cherry on top with the final goal of the game to seal the 22-point victory.
With the final five unanswered goals of the contest amid a 6.4 final term, the Lions swept the Bombers aside in brutal fashion, showcasing their ability to score quickly and heavily, once again pulling something out of the bag when up against it to find a way past their opponent.
The win was led by Lachlan Giles, the backman named the Lions’ best ahead of the ever-reliable Huw Jones and midfield bull Nic Quigg, both of whom kicked a goal, as did Cook and Jesse Brock, the duo rounding out the best in another brilliant Seymour victory.
Kennedy kicked a team-high three goals, making it five in his past two outings for the Lions while on a break from his duties with the Murray Bushrangers, while Jaron Murphy continued his streak of scoring in every outing so far this season, kicking two majors, as did Ricky Schraven, as the only other multiple goal-kickers for the Lions.
The win, Seymour’s third on the trot, ensures it remains third on the ladder heading into round 12, where it will be out to redeem its round two loss to ladder-leader Shepparton at Kings Park, while the Bombers will look to consolidate sixth spot when they host Shepparton Swans at Kyabram Recreation Reserve.
