Whorouly’s rollercoaster season continued on Saturday, when the senior Lions were brought back to earth at the hands of North Wangaratta.

After towelling up Milawa the week previous, the Lios rated their chances against the struggling Hawks, but were outplayed all day on the wrong end of a 11.10 (76) to 15.13 (103) result.

Whorouly shot out of the gates, kicking the first five and taking a 24-point lead into quarter time, but the Hawks were coming.

North Wangaratta shone in the second and third quarters, and while Whorouly had their chances and dominated play, they weren’t able to put it through the big sticks to make it count.

Whorouly held just a nine-point lead heading into the final quarter, but Hawks forwards Tyler Nanson and Corey Smith rose to the occasion, kicking three each I the final term to defeat Whorouly by 27 points.

The midfielders and backs worked hard all day, with Declan Hoy-Maroney, Matt Vescio and Max Scott all named in the best on ground for the Lions, while power forward Michael Newton kicked seven goals.

The Lions fall to seventh on the ladder, with the match against 10th-ranked King Valley the chance to prove they can string consistent performances together.

Earlier in the day, Whorouly’s reserves side took another step towards finals by knocking off the higher-ranked Hawks 14.6 (90) to 6.5 (41).

A five goal to one opening term set the tone for the match, with the margin blowing out through the third quarter, which saw the Lions boot five goals straight.

The Lions sit a game clear inside the top six, and have the chance to extend the buffer to eight points this weekend against King Valley.