Both teams had been struggling with consistency and the ability to defeat opponents despite being in good positions in recent matches.

Westies were striving to improve their chances of regaining a top two position while for the Lions a place in the four will soon evaporate unless they can defeat a team above them.

The stage was then set for a keen contest with so much at stake for both teams. Westies won the toss and elected to kick with a strong breeze favouring the Lions clubroom’s pocket.

From the first bounce Westies took charge of the centre square and the conditions. West made a flying start with the first four goals and had many contributors with Nick Collins, Ray Stapleton and Jordan Warren (two goals) prominent.

West continued to have the edge for the remainder of the quarter. They were much surer in ball handling and used their kicks to advantage particularly when using the grandstand side to create scoring opportunities.

Lions on the other hand continually turned hard earned possessions around with hesitant play and numerous unforced ball-handling errors.

The first quarter - West in control with 6-2 to Lions 1-1.

Rhys Dadleh scored for Westies in the first minute of the second quarter to make a Lions comeback even more difficult.

Westies continued to put the Lions defence under pressure. Michael Lagoudis and Christian Wood, however, offered stubborn resistance for the Lions. Nick Collins and Ray Stapleton continued to do well for West Augusta providing important links in forward moves.

West's tight and uncompromising defence led by Richie Nobbs and Rod Singleton made scoring difficult for the Lions. A couple of fine goals from youngsters in Brad Pine and Tyron George late in the quarter brought some respectability to the scoreline.

West dominated the first half to lead 11-4 to 3-4. For such an important game Lions had played a disappointing brand of football whereas West had controlled the game and had set up what was a match winning lead.