EAGLES WIN 1-POINT THRILLER
By SAM RICHARDS
With spring fast approaching, supporters were given an early dose of finals like football, with a series of last quarter thrillers in the TIV Under 18 competition.
The Yarraville Seddon Eagles claimed a heart stopping one-point win over Werribee Districts 1 in Division 1 of the Under 18 competition.
The 9.4 (58) to 7.15 (57) victory was miraculous for many reasons.
Not only did Werribee conjure up an extra nine shots on goal, heading into the clash, the Tigers posed a daunting 5 -1 record at Keogh Homes Oval this season, averaging over 107 points per game, while restricting their opponents to just over 33 points.
However, the past mattered very little on Saturday, as the Eagles kicked seven of the first 8 goals in a near flawless first half.
Though Werribee Districts 1 would respond – as all good teams do – kicking six of the following eight goals, the accurate Eagles would not be denied, claiming arguably their biggest win of 2019.
Zachary Pritchard (3 goals) was instrumental in the Eagles fast start, while Leo Attersall and Benjamin Ballard had big moments in the final quarter thriller.
For Werribee, forward Darcy Phillips was victorious in defeat, kicking a game high 6 goals.
Meanwhile, Altona continued their winning ways with a 24-point win over a spirited Caroline Springs side, 5.14 (44) to 2.8 (20).
In a game that won’t be remembered for its accuracy, the Vikings and Lakers combined to kick 22 points under windy conditions at Caroline Springs.
For the winners Christian Verdino was exceptional all day.
Hoppers Crossing 1 added to the Junior’s woes, with a 136-point win over Flemington, 22.15 (147) to 1.3 (9).
Led by stars Ahmed Haddara (8 goals) and Jett Mathews, the Warriors win was never in doubt after racing to a 72-point first half lead.
In Division 2 and Spotswood, Sunshine and Point Cook each continued their perfect starts to the second season with 45, 23 and 36-point wins respectively.
For the Woodsman, their 13.15 (93) to 7.6 (48) win over St Albans was set up by Charlie Barnes (4 goals) and Adrian Christou.
Meanwhile, the Bulldogs kicked five of the first six goals on their way to a 10.6 (66) to 4.6 (30) win over Hoppers Crossing 2, with Jackson Watt (3 goals), Connor Brown and Yuot Diar all performing strongly.
The Kangaroos 12.8 (80) to 8.9 (57) victory over Districts 2 was inspired by an exceptional day out from gun forward Nicholas McKay (6 goals).
The Sunshine forward now has 10 goals from 2 games and looks one to watch for the remainder of the Division 2 season.
Werribee Centrals had the bye.