Young head into the weekend in top form on the back of a 2-all draw with Henwood Park – an outcome that proves the Lions have improved out of sight this year.

The team outplayed captain Patricia Dawe’s expectations, who said their goal was to keep the score below 3-1 as recorded in their last encounter with Henwood Park.

Young marked the scorecard in the opening 10 minutes of the game as striker Jemma Long found the back of the net for her first goal of the season.

Long worked her way around several of Wagga’s defenders before outsmarting their goalkeeper in what Dawe described as a perfect goal.

Dawe also added to her goal tally after a pass by Cass Edwards found the midfielder who finished the job.

Despite early domination Young eventually ran out of steam and allowed the visitors to equalise the score.

“We didn’t have any subs in the end because three players went off with injuries, so it was pretty much about holding that score in the end,” Dawe said. “It was an amazing effort.”

Senior player, Tammi Brewer, earned herself players player for a strong game in the back line, while Chloe Turner’s standout effort earned the votes of her teammates. 

“Chloe had an amazing game, she was everywhere all game,” Dawe said.

She got coaches award for her non-stop determination on the day.”

With their focus now switched to the coming weekend’s game, Dawe hopes her team can go out with a bang.

Regardless of the outcome, Young will finish fifth in the Madden Trophy competition. 

In the men’s division the goal is simple – Young cannot lose.

The Lions will host Tolland at Gus Smith Oval on Sunday in a game captain-coach Calum McCaffery said Young must win or draw in order to qualify for the Pascoe Plate.

McCaffery said the third-placed Tolland team – unbeaten in their last six games – are a well-drilled side who will undoubtedly challenge the Lions.

“They’re a good side throughout, but I have seen an article where their coach said they’ll be resting a couple of players who have a few injuries or could potentially be suspended, so we’re not 100 per cent on what team they’ll bring across,” he said.

“But even if it’s their Reserve Grade players they’ll still be a good side – you can’t go six or seven games undefeated without being a good side.

“We’re just going to have to work hard and stick to our own game, just try pass the ball around and when it opens up, have a shot.

“Hopefully we score more than they do.”

The First Grade Lions kick off at Gus Smith Oval at 3pm this Sunday.