WARRIORS HOLD-OFF FAST-FINISHING EAGLES

By LEO MULLALY

Hoppers Crossing have held off a fast-finishing Yarraville side by two-points at Yarraville Oval in the Division 1 Under 18 competition.

With 40 seconds left in the game, the Eagles booted their sixth goal of the last quarter through Kobe Cikala to reduce the margin to three-points.

From the centre clearance, Yarraville surged it inside 50, where the loose ball was gathered and kicked towards goal by Oscar Siddell with one-second left on the clock.

Unfortunately for the Eagles, the ball grazed the post, and the Warriors managed to hold on for the victory.

Earlier, Yarraville were on top early, slotting three goals to one in the opening term.

At quarter time, Warriors coach Shane Buckingham called for his men to increase their pressure around the ball and show more accountability for their direct opponent.

His players responded to the call, putting on a clinical display in the second quarter, kicking seven goals to one.

This dominance included a three-minute period where the Warriors managed to score three consecutive goals from three centre clearances.

After half-time the contest evened up, with both sides booting two goals apiece in the third term.

Eagles coach Chris Smith remained positive, backing in his players to play their best footy for the last quarter.

Sebastian Turnbull, Kobe Cikala and Samuel Gunesekara were incredibly influential in Yarraville’s last quarter comeback charge.

For the Warriors, Declan Douglas was outstanding in the midfield, while Bailey Moffatt and Zach Vesty were at their dangerous best in the forward line.

In other results, the Lakers edged out the Vikings by one-point, while the Districts sent a statement with a comprehensive win of the Bulldogs.

Next week, Werribee meet Caroline Springs in a top-of-the-table clash and the Warriors face Point Cook in a top four battle.

Fresh from their week off, Spotswood are hosting Yarraville, while Altona have the bye.