SHARKS SEND MESSAGE TO RIVALS
By PADDY GRINDLAY
Point Cook Centrals have affirmed their premiership credentials with a second-half bludgeoning of Parkside to remain the only undefeated team in the WRFL Division 2 Seniors competition.
Both the Magpies and Sharks had boasted perfect records coming into Round 7, separated only by percentage thanks to the Centrals’ belting of Wyndhamvale and West Footscray earlier in the season.
But that all changed when the Sharks held the Magpies scoreless in the second half at Featherbrook Reserve – to run out 13.11. (89) to 3.4. (22) winners.
It was the usual suspects for the Sharks, only threatened by Parkside in the second quarter. Daniel Strnak, Mitchell Palma, Max Pritchard and Jordan Bennett booted two goals each while Haidyn Shade and Cale Du Plessis ran hot.
Jackson Lesko kicked two of the Magpies’ three goals on a grim day, proving the second-placed Parksiders have a bit to resolve before their next challenge of the Centrals in July.
Wyndhamvale was the latest team to rout a struggling West Footscray outfit, clobbering the Roosters with an eye-popping 24-goal second half and rampaging into third spot.
The Falcons’ 34.21. (225) to 6.5. (41) romp was highlighted by fourteen individual goalkickers, with Cameron Morrison’s bright year continuing with three goals and best-on-ground honours.
Ambrose Keogh punted five and Alexander Hamilton four, while Matthew Freestun and Adrian Spiteri managed two apiece for the Roosters.
Elsewhere, North Footscray proved a force to be reckoned with, grinding out Albion at J.R. Parsons Reserve after a physical first half and securing a one-game hold on fourth position.
Led by Patrick Murray, Joel Richardson and Samuel Kater, the Devils were blue-collar in the clinches and found Charles Bettiol often up forward, with the spearhead kicking six in a 13.11. (89) to 7.14. (56) win.
The Cats were led well by Darcy McPherson despite losing touch in the third term with the Devils, while the lean May of Albion full-forward Ben Doll continued, with the Cat held goal-less on home turf.
Finally, inaccurate kicking was the bane of Glen Orden at home, the Hawks left quite literally kicking themselves against Newport, who themselves struggled.
Newport’s 27-5 opening term was good enough to set up a 9.14. (68) to 4.11. (35) win, with teenage tyro Hussein Kadour again exciting supporters while Munir El Houli was imperious.
Glen Orden had no multiple goalkickers, but Eddie Bryson and Patrick Hynes could hold their heads high.
Newport is one game back from the top four, with Albion and Glen Orden sixth and seventh respectively with two wins and five losses. West Footscray sits winless and last.
Parkside will have little time to recover before an in-form Falcons line-up is upon them, while Albion will have a chance to snap a two-game losing skid against the Roosters.
Glen Orden is the next team to face the dominant Point Cook Centrals, while what looks to be a cracking clash between Newport and North Footscray will be held at Langshaw Reserve.