Big loss to Lions still burns for Lindisfarne a decade on

THE SFL’s second-versus-third clash between Lindisfarne and Huonville continues a bitter rivalry that stems from a painful loss for the Two Blues a decade ago.

Third-placed Lindisfarne will host second-placed Huonville at Anzac Park and Lindisfarne coach Daniel Willing cannot forget the pain the Lions have caused him before.

Willing said the rivalry between the two sides began after an undefeated Lindisfarne lost to Huonville in the 2008 SFL grand final.

“We are just looking forward to the challenge and this one this week is a big one,” Willing said. “These games are really important because we need to finish as high as we can on the ladder because weeks off in the finals and home finals are really important in our competition.”

Huonville has been the surprise packet of the SFL and captain Michael Paul puts the improvement down to the club’s culture.

“I think it’s an underrated thing, the feeling in the group,” Paul said.

“It’s a good environment to play in at the moment.”

In other matches for Round 7, Sorell takes on Hobart at Pembroke Park with the Tigers looking to stay in touch with the top two. Claremont hosts Dodges Ferry and can maintain its undefeated run with a win over the sixth-placed Eagles. The winless Brighton will make the long trip to play Cygnet, which is just inside the top five.