SHARKS GET FIRST WIN IN A THRILLER
By Connor Pain |
The TIV Division 1 season delivered more thrilling results in Round 3 with all four matches being decided in their final stages.
In the game of the season so far Point Cook Centrals kept its nerve to earn its first win of the year, holding off a fast-finishing Yarraville Seddon 16.13 (109) to 16.7 (103).
The sides traded blows all afternoon, but it was the Sharks who held on thanks in large part to midfield pair Zac Banch and Mitch Palma along with four goals from Daniel Strnak.
Jumping out of the blocks, Centrals recorded 10 scoring shots to two in the opening term, however their 50 per cent goal accuracy kept the margin within reach for the Eagles at the first break.
The home side hit back in the second on the back of Michael Selsby’s play with a six-goal stanza, but the Sharks were able to keep pace and put goals on the board when needed with the difference four points at the half.
Momentum again flipped after the restart with the visitors holding a three-goal buffer at three quarter time.
However, the Eagles came hard early in the last with the home side taking the lead before one final Centrals push saw them regain the ascendancy and get over the line by a goal.
The Sharks face local rivals Point Cook in Round 4, while the Eagles face winless Hoppers Crossing as they aim to get their uneven season back on track.
Spotswood jumped into second spot on the ladder thanks to a gallant fourth quarter against Altona, knocking off the Vikings by 13 points.
The first half was truly a game of two quarters with the Woodsmen leading after the first before the visitors took back control to lead by 10 at the main break.
The hosts wrestled back a slim lead heading into the final term and some stout defence in the last saw them hold strong to triumph 10.6 (66) to 7.11 (53).
Nick Graham was again dominant in midfield with 42 possessions while Matt Payne contributed a game-high three goals.
A week of recovery awaits Spotswood who now have the bye, while the Vikings will look to rebound when they host Caroline Springs.
Meanwhile, the Lakers posted their second straight win in Round 3 after a ferocious final quarter comeback against Parkside.
With coach Brian Lake suiting up for the first time this season Caroline Springs rallied from 12-points down at the last change to run out 14-point victors at the final siren.
The Magpie’s looked on track to record their second win, but despite leading at all breaks, a five goal to one final term saw the Lakers stun the visitors with the final score 13.10 (88) to 11.6 (72).
Ryan Allan was again immense for Caroline Springs while Tom Condon bagged four goals for Parkside.
The Magpies return home this weekend playing host to Werribee Districts.
Another outing with 10 individual goal kickers helped Werribee Districts continue their unbeaten start to the season, defeating Hoppers Crossing 14.10 (94) to 12.10 (82) in the clubs’ traditional Anzac Day encounter.
The visitors extended their advantage at each of the first three changes, but the Warriors fought until the end, although five last quarter goals wasn’t enough, as they remain the only team in Division 1 without a win.
Former Werribee-VFL listed player Lucas Rocci again featured amongst the best players for Districts with Hoppers Crossing well served by Jackson Viola who booted five majors.