ALBANVALE UPSTAGE BRAYBROOK, ALBION BOLSTER FLAG FAVOURITISM
Albion has further strengthened its premiership favouritism in the Division 2 Men’s competition with a comprehensive 16.13 (108) to 6.6 (42) win over Newport at Parsons Reserve in Round 8.
The visitors started the better of the two sides kicking four of the game’s first five goals, but the Cats soon settled into the contest and would go into quarter time break with a slender two-point lead.
With Darcy McPherson dominating in the middle the home team’s advantage improved to 21 points at halftime and 41 points after three quarters as the Panthers battled hard to keep in touch.
Newport’s efforts to limit Albion on the scoreboard came at a cost with few options up forward other than exciting under 18s player Hussein Hasna who ended the day with four goals.
Albion meanwhile had a bevy of options with Jess Cavanagh, who was sent off early in the game alongside direct opponent Mohamed Fofana, the best of them as he bagged five majors to reach 50 goals for season.
Albion continues its impressive campaign after the midseason break playing away to North Footscray on June 15, while Newport will return home and look to bounce back against Laverton.
North Foostcray rebounded from its loss to Newport in Round 7 with a 40-point triumph against Western Rams on the weekend.
The Devils jumped out of the blocks with a seven goal to one opening term and lead by 60 points at main break before the Rams found some positives by winning the second half.
Mathew Serafin had another good day in front of goal booting seven majors in his side’s 18.10 (118) to 12.6 (78) win, while Tyler Lewis kicked four for the home side who face Braybrook next.
A undermanned Braybrook was unable to mark their 150th year celebration on Saturday night with a win earlier in the day, as Albanvale claimed back-to-back victories for the second time this year.
With scores tied at quarter time Braybrook would lead by 23 points at the half before the Cobras gained the ascendency in the third to take a three-point lead into the last.
The home team restricted the Brookers to one goal in the last and kicked two of their own to mark the opening of their new clubrooms at Robert Bruce Reserve with a 19.9 (99) to 14.4 (88) result.
Reece Field was the star for Albanvale bagging eight goals.
The next assignment for the Cobras is against North Sunshine who went down to Suns by 188 points at Goddard Street Reserve in Round 8.
Patrick Hynes kicked a season-high 10 majors against the Roadrunners with Dean Cachia contribution five as the home side ran over the top of the visitors with 12 final quarter goals.
Suns travel to Ainsworth Reserve to face Sunshine Heights in two weeks’ time.
The Dragons were outclassed by Wyndhamvale on Saturday with the Falcons kicking away in the second half to secure an 18.17 (125) to 4.4 (28) victory.
The visitors were competitive early thanks to the efforts of Brent Taylor and Luke Vella, before Jordan Mould and Matthew Paul (six goals) took control for Wyndhamvale.
The Falcons, who have matched Albion’s perfect start to the season, can go eight points ahead of Sunshine when the two square off at Kindersmith Reserve in Round 9.
Sunshine too, will enter that clash following another big win, their latest a 28.21 (189) to 8.10 (58) result away to West Footscray.
Nathan Carroll dominated in attack for the Kangaroos with 11 majors, his third double figure goal haul of the season taking him to 55 after eight games.
Matthew Turcinovich’s goal kicking form also continued for the Roosters as he finished the day with four.
West Foostracy will aim to return to the winners list when they head to Tarneit on June 15.
Tarneit travelled to Laverton in Round 8 and were much more competitive than in recent weeks.
Laverton’s five-goal to one first term was basically the difference at the final siren as the Magpies celebrated 100 years with a 16.20 (116) to 11.8 (74) win.
However, the Titans will be encouraged by the performance which was led by co-captain Zach Thornton and Jalen Jaimangal (four goals), as they matched the Magpies after quarter time.
Shaun Evans kicked three majors and was best on ground for the hosts.