POINT COOK REIGN OVER CAROLINE SPRINGS
By CONNOR PAIN
Point Cook showed their premiership credentials after a dominant 13.11(89) to 6.7(43) win against last year’s minor premiers Caroline Springs.
The visitors led at every break and more than doubled the Lakers score, proving they are a team to beat in the 2023 season.
Both sides started strongly but it was Point Cook whose good form remained across all four quarters, a barnstorming second vital as they pushed their lead from 11-points to 31 at half time.
Caroline Springs won the third term but couldn’t hold off the charging Bulldogs as they kicked four goals to one in the final term and stretched their lead to a match winning 46-points.
Max Rouvray continued his great start to the season with a game-high four goals while Shaun Wyatt added three for the victors.
Brian Lake made a surprise return and kicked two, but it wasn’t the fairy-tale comeback, with his side unable to stop a ferocious Point Cook.
Round Five doesn’t get easier for the Lakers as they host reigning premiers Altona. Point Cook host Werribee Districts in what could be an early finals preview.
Spotswood produced a five goal to one final quarter to come from behind and stun Point Cook Centrals by five points.
The Woodsmen’s first win of the year looked unlikely despite a stalemate in the first half, as the Sharks took a 20-point lead into the final break.
The 10.9(69) to 9.10(64) win sees Spotswood jump up to sixth on the ladder ahead of a local rivalry matchup against Yarraville Seddon Eagles this week. Centrals remain winless in seventh with a date with Hoppers Crossing awaiting them.
A dominant final quarter was enough to see Altona over the line against Hoppers Crossing 13.8(86) to 8.5(53).
The Vikings led at each break but were well held through three quarters by the visitors, before breaking loose in the last and piling on six goals to two to cruise to a 33-point win.
Werribee Districts maintained their spot on top of the ladder thanks to a hard fought 35-point triumph against Yarraville Seddon Eagles.
A huge first half was all the home side needed as they led by 36 at the main break having held the Eagles to just one major.
Last year’s grand finalists cruised after the restart and despite late goals to the visitors, the Tigers were far too good in the 12.11(83) 6.12(48) victory.