MT Helena and Bullsbrook were both chasing a win to avoid finishing at the bottom of the Hills Football Association ladder but it was the Lions who set up a 10.15 (75) to 7.7 (49) victory.

The Lions started with more intent keeping the Saints goalless for the first quarter while kicking three themselves in some typical scrappy wet weather football.

Jaiden Fernie started in the ruck in the absence of regular James Thompson.

Although he was winning his fair share of the contests it took away his usual ground play presence.

This seemed to allow the Lions midfield players more opportunity to clear the ball. Charlie Read was leading his team by example running hard to get to the contests.

Michael Hine played a very serviceable game getting the ball out to Ryan Schwagereit who was being allowed to create his own space freeing him up to get the ball forward where Matthew Ellwood goaled.

In the second quarter the Saints managed to get their first goal on the board after some strong work out of the middle by Jorden Healy getting the ball forward for Josh Tunbridge to mark and goal.

This seemed to spark the Lions into action as they kicked the next two, Andrew Holness was picking up multiple possessions delivering the ball with accuracy to his team mates.

Riley Maturo teamed with Bo Read and Jai Blackman to repel several of the Saints forward entries.

Bullsbrook were having trouble finding targets mainly due Mt Helena’s pressure, they were being hurried off their kicks causing the ball to turn over.

When the half time siren sounded the Lions held a 27-point lead.

The Lions left the door ajar for the Saints due to their inaccuracy, converting just one of their seven shots on goal, this had the margin back to 18 points at the last change.

Mt Helena held their nerve in the last quarter as Bullsbrook continued to push.

They managed to control the outside ball and continued to find unattended players.

Bo Read had a stint in the ruck where Brendan Agnew swooped on the loose ball.

Pushing it out to Ryan Scwagereit on the wing he moved it down the flank to Matthew Ellwood who had slipped his opponent and scored the sealing goal seeing the Lions home by 24 points.

Coach Matt Sofoulis would be pleased with the result as he continues to mould his young group.