WARRIORS END EAGLES UNBEATEN RUN
By SAM RICHARDS
Round 5 of the 2019 TIV Under 18 Competition was a weekend full of high-flying marks, gut wrenching tackles and dominant defensive efforts.
Beginning with the top-of-the-table clash at Yarraville, the Eagles were looking for their fourth consecutive win of the season in their battle with second-placed Hoppers Crossing 2.
However, the league’s most dominant first-quarter team was sensationally held goalless after the first break in route to a stunning upset by the Warriors, who won by 12-points.
The Warriors pressure around the contest was relentless all day and used a dominant second-half performance to put the result beyond doubt, in what is arguably the clubs biggest win of the season.
Jay Anthony was best on the ground for the victors, while Regan Vesty, Jaxon Sardi were impressive all game and Bilal Chehade kicked a game-high 4 goals in his first game of the season.
For the Eagles, Mohammed Haddara was again prominent up front (3 goals), while Zachary Pritchard and Lachlan Green were admirable in defeat.
The loss moves the Eagles into second position, while the Warriors have now climbed to fourth.
In the rounds other games, St Albans claimed their first win of the year with an inspiring 37-point win over the Sunshine Kangaroos, 14.10 (94) to 9.3 (57).
Led by a stunning 6-goal haul from Ethan Townsend, the Saints kicked their highest score of the season, while Luke Strmota and Emmanuel Kiir had their most complete games of the year.
A dominant opening quarter saw the Altona claim a percentage boosting 113-point win over Point Cook, 18.17 (125) to 2.0 (12).
In what’s becoming a remarkable trend, Saad El-Hawli produced his second consecutive 7-goal game, while Jakeb Tunzi (4 goals) and Tom Mcconville were also influential.
Spotswood’s winning streak is over after a 110-point loss to Werribee Districts 1, 5.2 (32) to 21.16 (142).
Marshall Robertson and Jordan Busuttil performed strongly for Districts 1, while Ryan Potter kicked a game-high 4-goals.
Werribee Districts 2 kept pace with the top-4 after a comprehensive 66-point win over Hoppers Crossing 2, 14.11 (95) to 4.5 (29).
Alberto Rappazzo (5 goals) kicked his 11th goal in 2 games, while Josh Barrow and Jeremy Galea-Trifilo were influential all game.
In the final game of the round, Caroline Springs defeated Flemington Juniors by 55-points.