DISTRICTS ROLL ON, LAKERS UP TO SECOND WITH THIRD STRAIGHT WIN
By Connor Pain |
Werribee Districts have rubber stamped their flag favouritism after a hard-fought nine-point win against newly promoted Parkside.
In the first meeting between the two clubs, it was the reigning Division 1 premiers who stood up late against last year’s Division 2 winners as they continue to show no signs of a premiership hangover.
Parkside’s relentless pressure got them off to a strong start at home but despite some inaccuracy in front of goal the visitors found themselves in front at the first break.
The home side’s relentlessness continued in the second as they booted three goals to one while forcing Werribee into uncharacteristic mistakes to hold a six-point lead at the half.
Both sides had numerous opportunities after the restart, but more poor kicking again hurt the visitors and kept Parkside’s slim lead intact.
However, it would be an all too familiar finish for the Magpies who have led at three-quarter time in each of their past three outings but have only once come away winners.
The last term would see Districts win the territory battle and run out 8.17 (65) to 8.9 (57) victors.
Josh Kellett was awarded the Pat Cronin Foundation Medal for best-on-ground for the ladder leaders while ruckman Sam De Sousa was awarded the medal for Parkside.
Things don’t get any easier for the Magpies in Round 5 as they battle Yarraville Seddon, with Districts heading back home to host Altona.
Lachlan Green and Lewis Stanton booted four majors each in Yarraville Seddon’s comprehensive 14.18 (102) to 7.12 (54) triumph over of Hoppers Crossing.
The 48-point win sees the Eagles into third on the ladder despite an uneven start to the year, while some inaccurate kicking in the first half kept the final margin ballooning even further.
Warriors forward Ryan Kitchen also finished with four goals with Sam Clifford their best player.
Still in search of their first win, Hoppers will battle Point Cook Centrals this week who are in red-hot form, knocking over rivals the Bulldogs by 17 points in the Battle of Point Cook.
The Sharks led marginally at each break, but it wasn’t until a three goal to one final term saw the 10.10 (70) to 8.5 (53) result confirmed.
Pele Manivong and Mark Galea (three goals) and Austin Hodge and Lochlan Allen (three goals) were the best performers and leading goal kickers for the Sharks and Bulldogs respectively.
The Bulldogs are still in search of the form that saw them reach last year’s grand final and face a tough test in Spotswood who will be fresh off the bye.
Caroline Springs made it three wins on the trot overcoming Altona 9.10 (64) to 8.10 (58).
Doing what’s needed to get the four points, the Lakers limited the Vikings to just one multiple goal kicker and survived a late fourth quarter scare to escape with the six-point win.
The Lakers were without midfielder Max Tessari for the clash but ruckman Alexander Paech starred in his return after missing the previous match, while Western Jets listed youngster Lukas Hare kicked three goals.
Colby Redpath was again named the Vikings’ best with Joel Menadue their most damaging forward nailing three majors.
Caroline Springs now have the bye in Round 5.