Lions win scorcher

By Ben Hope
DESPITE a late start due to hot conditions, the Springvale Lions were unstoppable as they continued their five-game winning streak against St Kilda on Sunday.
With the mercury climbing to 39 degrees, the game didn’t get underway until 3.30pm. However, the hot weather didn’t seem to bother the Lions and they managed to keep the runs coming and win convincingly 10-5.
Coach Glen Richards said he was happy with his team turning their season around and beating St Kilda, especially after losing to them last season.
“It was definitely one we needed to win and it was great to keep our five-game winning streak going,” Richards said.
“We still have a long way to go and a tough run to the end of the season but if we keep playing the same game we will definitely be in a chance to end at the top of the ladder.”
The Lions got off to a good start making three runs in the first innings and keeping the pressure on for the remainder of the game, putting runs on the board in almost every innings.
Scott Baillie was a solid performer on the mound before Robert Hogan did well in relief for the last four innings.
Richards said he was also impressed with the entire team’s batting effort.
“The whole team did their job when we needed to get runners over, they really impressed me,” he said.
“We played as a team and everyone went out knowing just what they had to do.”
The Lions will face Williamstown tonight and Werribee on Saturday, two teams ahead of them on the ladder in fourth and first positions respectively. The Lions are currently in seventh position, immediately behind Mulgrave and the Waverley Wildcats.
“If we can beat both Williamstown and Werribee we will show we are ready to be up with the top teams in division two,” Richards said.