FOUR-STRAIGHT FOR THE DEVILS, PARKSIDE WIN UGLY
By PADDY GRINDLAY
North Footscray have gone a month without defeat in the WRFL’s Division 2 competition, putting on an impressive second-half performance to go two games clear in third place.
The Devils were in strife early against Glen Orden at Hansen Reserve, who burst from the blocks to a 20-point quarter time lead, before the red-hot Samuel Kater and big man Jordan Eitler hauled the Hawks in.
Kater would be one of five Devils to kick two goals as the ‘Scray shared the load, turning around the deficit to run out 17.13 (115) to 11.8 (74) winners.
David Allit and Shaun Ujcich were impressive for North Footscray, who have won four games on the bounce, while Ethan Gibson and Kur Kur were solid for Glen Orden who have lost their last five.
Parkside were another team to come home with a wet sail after Albion threatened to ruin their weekend, eventually steadying to hold on by 15-points at Henry Turner Reserve.
The Magpies, down by three goals at the half and languishing, turned to Jackson Lesko for aid, who booted four goals in a somewhat low-scoring affair.
Albion has made a habit of falling away in the second half recently this season, having been outstripped by Newport and North Footscray in the last month after the long break, this time falling 8.8. (56) to 10.11. (71).
Speaking of Newport, six goals from Mohammed Dib and five from Abdul Jawad ensured that West Footscray were never in the picture at Shorten Reserve, the exciting Newport side comfortable in a 22.21. (153) to 9.8. (62) win.
Benjamin Douglas and Patrick Frappell were bright spots for the Roosters with three goals apiece, but the winless home side was unable to put a halt to an endless stream of goals to the visitors, with Hussien Kadour again contributing with four goals of his own.
Point Cook Centrals kept Wyndhamvale goal-less after half time at Featherbrook Reserve in another imperious performance, with Mitchell Palma and Aaron Williams tucking in with four goals apiece.
The Sharks 18.8 (116) to 4.5 (29) victory was another instance of the Strnak and Palma show, with the pair dominating a Falcons side unable to get within a sniff, despite the efforts of Liam Scarborough and James Daly.
Wyndhamvale is battling for a finals place with fourth-placed Newport as it stands on the ladder, with Point Cook Centrals, Parkside and North Footscray the breakaway three.
Albion is sixth, Glen Orden seventh and West Footscray winless in the eighth spot.
Newport will get an opportunity to level its ledger at five wins, five losses when it takes on Parkside at home in two weeks’ time after the mid-season bye, while North Footscray will be hungry for a percentage boost against the Roosters at Hansen Reserve.
Glen Orden will host Wyndhamvale, while Albion will be faced with the almighty Sharks.