Having sewn up the minor premiership with a 16-2 record, the B grade Lions navigated a tricky finals run to qualify for the decider, however ultimately came undone on the final day, going down 38-44 against Echuca, with the Murray Bombers surging to claim the flag from fifth.
In the early stages of the contest, it looked Seymour were destined to run away with things, as an opening blitz put the Lions ahead 7-0 before the Murray Bombers could find their first.
Slowly but surely the deficit started to close over the remaining minutes of the quarter and, although, Echuca got back within two at times, the Lions held steady to lead 15-11 at the first break.
The second period saw the Murray Bombers close the gap again to have the score sitting at 17-16, with the Lions’ advantage whittled down to a single centre pass.
The two sides went back and forth over the rest of the period, but ultimately neither side could force the turnover on the opponent's possession to change the situation.
Echuca did take possession late in the period and had the opportunity to level it, but couldn’t make the move count, as Seymour preserved its one-goal lead at the half.
The Murray Bombers finally found their way in front in the third period, forcing the turnover to lead 26-25, and while Seymour immediately got back on level terms, Echuca surged again, earning consecutive turnovers to force the Lions into trailing 31-35 at three-quarter time.
The fourth remained a tight contest, but the Murray Bombers continued to hold the edge.
Seymour was valiant, however with five minutes remaining Echuca still led by four goals, and despite the Lions’ best efforts, they were unable to find the response required, as the final siren condemned them to the 38-44 defeat.
12°C