WARRIORS DEFEAT VIKINGS IN TIV UNDER 18

By SAM RICHARDS

The AFL wasn’t the only ones with a blockbuster on the cards for this weekend.

Yours truly had been looking forward all week to Division 1’s clash between undefeated rivals Altona and the Hoppers Crossing 1, and, just like the AFL, the game more than lived up to the hype.

Ultimately, the Warriors’ sharp ball use and line breaking speed was too much for the ladder leading Vikings to handle, with Hoppers Crossing taking the honours by 13-points.

After conceding four of the first six goals, Hoppers Crossing used a six goal to one second quarter to seize control in the finals-like contest.

Remarkably, following that first quarter, the Warriors restricted the dangerous Altona forward line to just four more goals over the following three quarters.

A resounding display by a back six who are building a reputation for being strong in the air, tenacious on the ground and unflappable in focus.

Ahmed Haddara kicked a game-high 4 goals – taking his Division 1 total to 15 – while Josh Lerardo and Nathan Koutsogiannis provided exceptional ball use and were instrumental in their side’s big win.

Saturday’s loss was the Vikings’ first taste of defeat in 14 games.

Elsewhere, Flemington Juniors caused a boilover of epic proportions, claiming their first victory of Division 1 with a 12.7. (79) to 10.3. (63), 15-point win over the previously flying Yarraville Seddon Eagles.

Despite being held goalless in the final term, the Juniors used strong second and third quarters to hold the threatening Eagles at bay.

Meanwhile Werribee Districts 1 handled Caroline Springs convincingly, with a comfortable 52-point victory, 13.12 (90) to 5.8 (38).

Ryan Potter kicked 3 goals, while Michael Casale performed strongly all game.

In Division 2, Spotswood suffered their first loss of the second season with a 5.5 (35) to 12.9 (81), 46-point defeat to the Point Cook Bulldogs.

Despite a scoreless first quarter, the Dogs kicked 12 of the finals 14 goals to claim an impressive win.

Mitchell Waugh kicked five goals for the winners.

St Albans produced their second consecutive eye-catching performance with a 20.20 (140) to 1.2 (8), 132-point victory over Werribee Centrals.

Michael Camilleri provided 4 majors, while Calhan Brazil and Bailey Razborsek were among the Saints best.

Meanwhile, Sunshine used a six goal second half to push aside a feisty Hoppers Crossing 2.

Thanks to a game high four goals from Nicholas Mckay, the Roos won 10.8 (68) to 2.6 (18).

Werribee Districts 2 had the bye.