BULLDOGS & VIKINGS RETURN TO WINNERS LIST IN ROUND 13
By Connor Pain |
Point Cook broke its five-game losing skid in TIV Division 1, overcoming a slow start to run out 12.17 (89) to 10.10 (70) winners over Newport in Round 13.
Gale-like winds greeted both sides, but it was the Panthers jumping out of the blocks at home with a six-goal opening quarter, thanks to slick ball movement and precise build up from defence.
Struggling for touches in the first, the script flipped in the second as it was the Bulldogs turn with the wind behind their backs.
Inaccurate kicking the only force capable of stopping Point Cook who recorded 16 total scoring shots (seven goals to zero) in the term, to enter the half ahead by 13 points after trailing by 36-points at the first break.
Holding strong under a Newport barrage, the visitors were able to hold the hosts to just two goals in the third before running out the fourth quarter with class, finishing 19-point victors.
Round 14 sees the Bulldogs host rivals Point Cook Centrals while Newport head to Albion.
Werribee Districts has gone three games clear on top of the ladder after downing Yarraville Seddon 10.15 (75) to 5.12 (42).
In a battle of the leagueā€™s two highest scoring offences, the home side used its competition-best defence to stifle the Eagles at Soldiers Reserve.
Sean Gregory and Daniel Schibeci starred for Districts as just three goals through three quarters was too much for the visitors to come back from.
Daniel Nielson extending his advantage on the goal-kicking leaderboard with three majors on the day as Tyson Brazel was limited to just one goal for Yarraville Seddon.
Werribee will now battle Hoopers Crossing in the game of the round, while the Eagles are away to Sunshine after missing a chance to jump a game clear of the Warriors.
Caroline Springs did its top three hopes no harm by defeating reigning premiers Hoppers Crossing by 18 points.
The hosts held the visitors to just two goals to halftime in difficult conditions before the efforts of Alipate Bryant,Ā Ben Caluzzi and Benjamin Davey secured the 10.5 (65) to 7.5 (47) win.
After losing ground to the top three last week the Lakers closed the gap to second and third to just four points ahead of an outing at Parkside.
Altona survived a late scare against Parkside hanging on to record an 8.10 (58) to 8.7 (55) victory.
The Vikings led at every break and keep alive their slim finals hopes despite a nervy final term, the Magpies kicking three goals to none in the last to close within a kick.
With captain Ethan Taylor leading from the front, the victory ended a six-game winless run for Altona.
Spotswood awaits the Vikings this week in a must-win for the club.
A 33-0 opening term was crucial to Albion claiming an 18-point win over rivals Sunshine.
Daniel Rosenzweig the difference booting five goals in his sideā€™s 10.6 (66) to 6.12 (48) triumph.
The result keeps the Cats just percentage behind Spotswood who occupy fifth spot.
Spotswood proved too good for Point Cook Centrals, nine goals in the final term highlighting their 18.9 (117) to 9.5 (59) win.
Sam Crossā€™ four majors the pick of the bunch as seven Woodsmen booted multiple goals.
Mitch Palma was the standout for the Sharks with a five-goal haul.