IT was a genuine thriller at Kings Park, with Seymour now two-and-a-half games clear in third position on the Goulburn Valley ladder after a ding-dong battle with Mansfield.
There were plenty of scoring shots in the opening quarter, but both teams were inaccurate, in particular, Seymour, who kicked two goals from nine scoring shots to lead 19-15 at the first break.
Scoring finally opened up after plenty of promise in the opening term as the second quarter got underway, and it was essentially a free-for-all. The Lions kicked six goals for the quarter, while Mansfield added five, and the Lions led 60-47 at the main break.
The third quarter saw Mansfield get right back into the game. It kicked five goals for the quarter, while the Lions still clung on to the lead thanks to three goals of their own, holding on to an 80-79 lead at the final change.
The last quarter was a scrap as both teams fought for different causes – the Lions to break away in third spot; Mansfield to keep its season alive.
As it was, the Lions kicked two goals to one to do just enough, winning 13.17 (95) to 13.12 (90).
Interleague captain Jack Murphy was at his brilliant best, booting four goals, while Huw Jones, Tom Stapleton, Dylan Cook and Tom Murphy were also terrific.
In the reserves, eight goals from Jack Radford helped the Lions win by 70 points, while the under-19s fell just short.
Netball results saw Seymour lose in A-grade by 11 goals, but B-grade, B-reserve and 17-and-under all took victories.
