The Nambucca Valley Lions have started life back in the AFL North Coast Senior Competition in the best possible way, with victory against the Northern Beaches Blues.
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Prior to the start of the match both teams lined up as the Blues unveiled last season's Reserve Grade Premiership flag.
The match was a tough, uncompromising, but fair encounter with both teams going hard at the footy all day.
The Blues were never going to concede an inch as they looked to get their title defence underway, whilst the Lions' mix of experienced players and newcomers were up for the occasion.
Kicking with the breeze in the first quarter the Lions had control of the match but were only able to record one behind to take the slenderest of leads into the first break.
The Blues used the breeze better in the second term to land two majors through Callum McPherson and Marcus Davey, but the Lions countered with a goal into the wind through the evergreen Jimmy Angel. This saw the Blues take a four point lead to the long break and the game was well and truly in the balance.
A further goal to Jimmy Angel in the third meant that the Lions headed to the final quarter with a five point lead, knowing the Blues had the advantage of the breeze.
Marcus Davey added to his tally with a second goal for the Blues, but a goal against the run of play to Adrian Welsh sealed a first start win for Nambucca Valley.
Nambucca Valley Lions 3.7 (25) defeated Northern Beaches Blues 3.2 (20)
This match was a fitting recognition of the growth of Senior AFL in the region with the two newest clubs playing out a thriller.
The Lions have a much needed bye next week as the players get used to the return to full contact.
