HAWKS WIN THIRD STRAIGHT GAME
By PADDY GRINDLAY
Ashleigh Peters’ 350th game of footy was heralded by a crucial win for Glen Orden in Saturday’s WRFL Division 2 action, the Hawks leading at every change against Albion and running out 13.14. (92) to 9.15. (69).
Peters, who walked through a banner with his children onto the ground and was carried gleefully by his teammates off it at full time, has been a WRFL journeyman, having spent time at North Footscray and Yarraville Seddon through an illustrious career.
His Hawks teammates were keen to douse him in Gatorade after the victory, which sees Glen Orden a game outside of the top four.
Jacob Tonkinson and Cooper Muir stood tall for the Cats, who are now second last on the ladder.
Meanwhile, at Langshaw Reserve, momentum garnered from a brilliant win over Parkside has dissipated for Newport, who lost agonisingly to Wyndhamvale.
James Daly’s four goals for the Falcons were crucial.
The Falcons jumped out to an early lead at quarter time but were outstripped by Newport by the long break, thanks to the efforts of Mitchell Taleb, Newport’s best with four goals, and Mohammed Abdou.
Wyndhamvale bit back, taking the lead by the final break and holding fast to a three-point win which sees them retain fourth spot on the ladder.
The top two teams enjoyed respective beltings of their oppositions: the Point Cook Centrals remaining unbeaten thanks to an 11-goal third quarter against North Footscray, while Parkside held West Footscray to just two goals in a 158-point drubbing.
The Centrals carried just a 10-point lead into half time over the Devils, who were up for the contest against the Division’s only unbeaten team.
The Sharks were having none of it after the break though and set up a belting thanks to 13 goals between Jordan Bennett (five), Daniel Strnak (four) and Aaron Williams (four).
Benjamin Stefani and Gabriel Williams were labelled the Devils’ best – North Footscray still a game clear of the Falcons in third despite the 6.5. (41) to 16.19. (115) defeat.
Meanwhile, Jy Lambley (six goals), Shaun Campbell (four) and Jackson Lesko (four) enjoyed a day out at Shorten Reserve in Parkside’s 25.20 (170) to 2.6 (18) pumping of the Roosters.
Andrew Barszuskyj, in his first outing for Parkside’s senior squad this year, was named best afield, while Jordan Jobling and Joshua Barker kicking the only goals for West Footscray.