NEWPORT UPSETS HOPPERS, SHARKS CLAIM SECOND WIN
By Connor Pain |
Newport produced the upset of the season, knocking off reigning premiers Hoppers Crossing in Round 11 of the TIV Division 1 Men’s competition.
In what might be the most remarkable week-to-week turnarounds ever, the Panthers earned the most impressive win of the season by defeating the Warriors 11.3 (69) to 7.21 (63), a week after losing to Werribee Districts by 137 points.
After getting the jump early to lead at the first break, Newport was under siege in the second term as the Warriors recorded 13 total scoring shots to give them a 13-point buffer at the half.
A six-goal blitz thanks to the efforts of Nayef Hamad and Hamza Dowdy saw the Panthers regain the lead, taking a 14-point advantage into the final quarter.
Despite dominating with nine scoring shots to one in the last, Hoppers Crossing just couldn’t claw back the deficit with Newport claiming a thrilling six-point victory.
Joel Freeman booted four goals in the historic win that keeps Newport’s slim finals hopes alive ahead of a clash with Spotswood in Round 12. The Warriors host Altona looking to get back to winning ways.
Point Cook Centrals won their first game since the opening round of the year, holding off Sunshine by 12 points.
A wind-assisted 29-0 opening term set the Sharks up perfectly, but it was a two goal to zero third term that proved to be the difference with Mitch Palma and Kwar Ater influential.
Despite conceding the only two majors of the fourth, Centrals turned the game into a slog and didn’t allow the Kangaroos an inch, defending for their lives to earn the 7.11 (53) to 5.11 (41) win, ending a run of nine straight losses.
Albion awaits the Sharks while Sunshine will face Parkside.
Lachlan Rainbow proved the perfect tonic for Werribee Districts as the ladder leaders recorded a hard-fought 10.14 (74) to 8.13 (61) win at Spotswood.
Despite missing leading goal kicker Daniel Nielson, Districts were able to keep the Woodsmen at arm’s length despite a solid fight from the home side.
Rainbow finished with a game-high three goals with experienced pair Daniel Schibeci and Ben McMahon also key contributors for the visitors.
The 13-point win makes it eleven wins from eleven with a clash against Point Cook awaiting the premiership favourites.
Tom Condon’s five majors and a seven goal to zero second term saw Parkside jump back into finals contention with a 10.13 (73) to 7.9 (51) triumph over Point Cook.
The Magpies started slowly but the second quarter onslaught and some strong play from Michael Jubb and Bruno Laguda was enough to see them over the line by 22 points.
Despite registering their lowest score of the year Caroline Springs overcame a pesky Altona, 10.5 (65) to 5.9 (39).
Steven Kyriazis continued his while fine form in front of big sticks with another five-goal haul, while Bailiey Raak finished with three majors in his return to the senior side.
As good as the Vikings were defensively, they couldn’t replicate that offensively, kicking just one goal after halftime.
Colby Redpath and Ethan Taylor were the best performers for the visitors.
Yarraville Seddon collected the biggest win of the weekend with a 96-point victory against Albion, the result and Hoppers Crossing’s loss lifting them to second on the ladder.
Three majors from Tyson Brazel moved him to top spot as the competition’s leading goal kicker, as the Eagles eased to a 17.16 (118) to 3.4 (22) win away from home.
Yarraville Seddon faces Caroline Springs in Round 12 in the WFNL Match of the Day.