FALCONS CLICK INTO GEAR
By PADDY GRINDLAY
An 87-point turnaround from Wyndhamvale has seen the Falcons gather momentum as they respond to a poor start to the WRFL Division 2 season.
The Falcons trailed Albion by 20-points at quarter time, with Cats forward Ben Doll (four goals) proving to be an early handful. Unperturbed, Wyndhamvale made J.R Parsons Reserve their personal playground, bulldozing the Cats with an eight-goal quarter that saw the Eagles take a 25-point lead of their own into the second half.
Through Jack Tessari’s four goals in a near best on ground performance, Wyndhamvale eagerly continued their good form, making it 16 goals to three after quarter time in an eventual 17.14. (116) to 7.7. (49) thrashing of the Cats.
Jesse Shell and Connor Yeoell paced the Falcons in an even performance, while Doll, Darcy McPherson and Cody Bench fought hard for the Cats.
Parkside were another team that needed a prod to spark a win, remaining undefeated with an 85-40 defeat on North Footscray.
The Magpies’ victory wasn’t quite as straightforward as that enjoyed by the Falcons, with the Devils, led by Scott Eldridge and Jack Cairns, mustering a third-quarter fightback after a goal-less second term.
But five goals after the final break saw the Magpies comfortably home, with Jy Lambley and Shaun Campbell enjoying three goals apiece, while Jackson Barrett continued his barnstorming start to the 2022 season.
Parkside haven’t been quite able to shake Point Cook Centrals from top spot on the ladder though, who through the goalkicking expertise of Jake Findlay (six goals) and Aaron Williams (five) belted Newport by 82 points.
The Sharks made the most of Newport’s inaccuracy to run out 23.14. (152) to 9.16. (70) winners at Langshaw Reserve, with Cale du Plessis and Kwar Ater named in the club’s best.
The Centrals, thanks to a very healthy percentage of 214.42, maintained their chokehold on top spot, with their weight of scoring keeping Parkside at bay despite their matching record of 4-0.
Glen Orden have jumped into third place, drubbing West Footscray by 71-points at home.
Jordan Jobling has been the Roosters’ bright spot but was kept to one goal as the Hawks romped home at Heathdale Oval.
The Roosters are the Division’s only winless team, and things don’t get easier this weekend when they visit Parkside at Henry Turner Reserve.
Albion’s hosting of Glen Orden looms as crucial in highlighting whether the Hawks are a quiet flag threat this year, while the Cats will look to stop a three-game skid.
North Footscray will try and halt the Sharks’ winning run when they visit Featherbrook Reserve, while Wyndhamvale will look to win their third straight match when Newport come to visit.