POINT COOK TAKE THE CROWN ON KINGS BIRTHDAY

By CONNOR PAIN

Point Cook survived an almighty scare to nudge past Yarraville Seddon Eagles 9.8(62) to 7.9(51).

Both sides had opportunities to win the low scoring contest, but it was the visitors who pulled it out, showing the mettle that has them right in the hunt for a premiership.

The week off played a factor early as both sides had a slow start, the game an arm wrestle as neither could get the upper hand in a stout defensive contest.

The Bulldogs took the lead into the first break and maintained it at the half by the slimmest of margins, both teams wrestling for momentum in a tight first half.

Neither could break away despite the half time stoppage, however a dogged Point Cook outfit pushed their lead to eight points at the third quarter siren.

Despite the best efforts of Zachary Pritchard (the Eagles best-on) and Aidan Johnson (team-high two goals) the Eagles just couldn’t claw the game back in their favour.

As they’ve done all season, the Bulldogs stood up in the clutch when the game needed to be won.

Running out 11-point victors, Point Cook move two games clear in second place, a finals spot already all but secured barring a shocking turn of events.

Mason Frenkel, Max Rouvray and Daniel Burton all came in clutch for Point Cook with two goals each, with teammate Sam Darley being named best on ground after an unreal game for his team.

The Eagles remain on the outside of the finals looking in through eight rounds and will need a strong winning streak if they’re to push Caroline Springs and Spotswood in the second half of the season.

Point Cook host local rivals Point Cook Centrals in a rematch of their Round One clash that saw the Bulldogs overcome a fast start by the Sharks.

The Eagles face Altona on the road in a tough test, both sides coming off losses and looking for a win.