After a slow start against the undefeated Southport Sharks, the NEAFL SUNS turned up the heat after the major break to hand the NEAFL heavyweight their first loss to the 2013 Season with a clinical 29-point win at Metricon Stadium this afternoon.

Josh Hall broke the early scoring drought for the GC SUNS, taking a strong mark inside-50 before converting the easy 30m drop punt to
find the goals.

Jacob Gillbee looked dangerous early for the SUNS seconds, delivering a series of inside-50 entries only minutes after the first bounce, and earned a goal for his efforts after booming a 50m long-bomb from beyond the arch.

Teenage sensation Jack Martin looked his usual busy self for the home-side, while Jack Hutchins relentless work-ethic saw him rewarded with some early touches.

The Sharks came out showing more hunger during the second term, but weren't able to reduce the score-board deficient as the home team held onto a solid 18-point lead heading into the major break.

Timmy Sumner again looked dangerous around the contest, while Josh Hall continued to provide strong leads across the forward-half in the second term.

Omitted from the top 22,  Luke Russell provided the highlight of the quarter after his fearless run through the middle of the ground where he weaved his way through the Shark’s experienced defence, earning himself a goal for his efforts after finding the open goalsquare.

Midfielder Alex Sexton showed maturity beyond his years after going back on the mark and kicking a brilliant goal from beyond the arch.

Defender Leigh Osborne showed the crowd he could do it at both ends when he found himself inside the SUNS forward-half and let rip with a 45m drop punt that screamed through the posts  for a goal.

Crowd favourite Liam Patrick was injected into the contested at the start of the third quarter, and looked in good touch despite missing the past eight weeks with a hamstring injury sustained in the club’s pre-season campaign.

Kyal Horsley, Jack Hutchins and Luke Russell led from the front for the SUNS during the final quarter, the senior-listed trio winning the clearances and pumping it long in the northern end towards the SUNS high-scoring forward line.

Despite the victory, NEAFL coach Shaun Hart told goldcoastfc.com.au he wasn't pleased that the home side had seemingly taken their foot off the pedal after amassing a match winning lead after letting a 49-point lead slip to 12-points late in the third quarter.

“Obviously it’s great to leave the game with a win, but if the boys want to continue to taste success, we need to ensure we don’t let our opponents bridge the gap after such a commanding lead,” said Hart.

“They’re was a time late in the game where it was only two goals the difference, we can’t let that be the case each week because good sides don’t allow that.”