LAKERS DRAW WITH DISTRICTS, WARRORS INTO TOP FOUR
Caroline Springs has ended Werribee Districts’ winning start to the season although the reigning premiers remain undefeated after a thrilling draw at Soldiers Reserve on Saturday.
The Lakers trailed by 17 points at halftime and eight points at three-quarter time before a last-minute goal by veteran defender Ryan Allan saw the match end in a stalemate.
The visitors kicked just five goals across the first three quarters but doubled their tally in the last as scores finished tied, 11.6 (72) to 10.12 (72) with both teams sharing the points.
The hosts went into the Round 9 encounter looking to complete a perfect start to the season by achieving victory over every opponent in the first round of fixtures.
The result sees Werribee Districts’ advantage at the top of the table reduced to six points ahead of a meeting with now bottom of the ladder Point Cook Centrals.
Caroline Springs (third) face Yarraville Seddon next who moved to outright second, two points clear of the Lakers, with a 22-point triumph over Spotswood on the weekend.
The Eagles controlled the contest from the outset against the Woodsmen who failed to make the most of their opportunities early kicking 3.9 in the opening half to trail by 15 points at the main break.
With the margin the same at three-quarter time the Eagles put the game to bed early in the final term before Spotswood added three of the last four goals with the end score 13.9 (87) to 9.11 (65).
VFL-listed pair Sam Azzi and Akol Deng were influential for the Eagles, while Grant Williams was Spotswood’s best in his first outing since the opening round.
The Woodsmen head to Hogans Road Reserve to face an inform Hoppers Crossing in Round 10.
The Warriors returned from a two-week break and illness running through the club to defeat Point Cook by 25 points at Saltwater Reserve.
In match where the majority of scoring was recorded at the northern end of the ground the visitors overturned a narrow halftime deficit with a six-goal third term and then finished strongly against the breeze to register a fourth straight win.
Austin Hodge, Shaun Wyatt and Lochlan Allen were outstanding for the home team, but the Warriors lead by Chase Guy and five goals to Sam Clifford were impressive winners 16.8 (104) to 12.7 (79)
Point Cook now travel to Parkside, who after a couple of weeks rest will be keen to get their first season back in Division 1, back on track.
Altona were the other winners in Round 9 downing Point Cook Centrals 9.12 (66) to 6.8 (44)
Both teams started slowly at Windorah Way Reserve with just one goal kicked in the opening stanza, however the Vikings led by 12 points at halftime and 20 points with a quarter to play after holding the Sharks to a single goal in each of the first three terms.
After rising to fifth on the ladder thanks to back-to-back wins Altona has the bye this coming weekend.