Despite running out a number of new faces, the Lions’ experienced core guided them to the win as they pegged back an early Berry lead and took a 24-8 lead into the break.

Possession and field position favoured the home side in the early stages, but some early season rust meant they were turned away without scoring.

The Magpies on the other hand made the most of their early chances.

Captain-coach Luke Ryder stormed into a yawning gap and crossed on the left fringe.

Josh Coulter knocked over the conversion for a 6-nil Berry lead.

That lead was soon out to eight when Coulter added a penalty goal.

The lead was short lived however – possession swung back to the Lions and they made the most of it.

Kal Collins was the first Lion to cross thanks to some clever work by fellow front-rower Nathan Ford.

Ford and Collins then combined to send rookie lock Tyran Wishart over shorty after.

Two conversions from back-rower Jake Taylor gave the Lions the lead at 12-8.

It was another Lions’ rookie who helped Gerringong extend the lead.

Back-rower Judd Collyer broke through the Berry defence and found Rixon Russell in support and the Gerringong half crossed under the posts.

Taylor converted for an 18-8 Gerringong lead.

Russell soon had his second, this time thanks to new recruit Matt Winchester.

The Lions’ fullback cut through the Berry defence and the ever-present Russell was made the most of the opportunity.

Taylor converted for a 24-8 lead that stood until half-time.

The second half started similar to the first, with Berry crossing early. Lock Joe Rogers burrowed over to the right of the posts. Coulter’s conversion trimmed the lead to 24-14.

The Lions wasted little time in regaining control though.

Speedster Toby Gumley-Quine grabbed an intercept and raced the best part of the length of the field to score.

Taylor added his fifth conversion to push the lead out to 30-14.

Following Gumley-Quine’s try, possession swung back to the Magpies but they couldn’t find a way to crack the Lions’ defence.

There was then a string of errors from both sides as early season fatigue set in.

It was the Magpies who broke out of the funk first, prop Bill Ryder crashed over next to the posts and Coulter converted to bring the score to 30-20 with 15 to go.

Despite their best efforts, the Magpies couldn’t claw their way back any further and Gerringong ran out the game as Taylor grabbed a try of his own at the death to round out the score at 36-20.

For the Lions, Ford, Collins and Russell all had great games while Rogers, Luke Ryder and Josh Ingold did all they could.