By NICK GALEA - Under-19 Division 2
ALBION have narrowed the gap between them and Newport on the Under-19 Division 2 ladder as they recorded a 17-point win and their second over Newport this season.
The Cats clawed their way to victory at JR Parsons Reserve, winning 8.10. (58) to 6.5. (41).
Newport kicked the first goal of the game through deadeye Youssef El Hawli.
Albion's Cooper Muir was fantastic in the ruck as he gave his midfield silver service to dominate the clearances, but they weren't able to capitalise on numerous entries inside-50 as they only managed two goals from James Leach and Corey Cohen.
Newport were far stronger in the second quarter as they kicked four consecutive goals to lead by 14-points at half-time.
Ahmed Mesto who was playing his first game against his old club was able to nail a major with a snap 35 metres out and had the ball on a string.
Albion responded with greater intensity in third quarter and controlled the first half of the term as they slotted three majors in a row to steal the lead back by one point, with James Leach kicking one and setting up another.
Newport regained some composure in the remaining 10 minutes of the quarter, but weren't able to make the most of their opportunities as they kicked three behinds.
With nine of the 10 goals kicked to the Stanford St end, Mitchell Taleb continued the trend as he put Newport in front by five points at the six minute mark of the fourth quarter.
Albion's Bradley Kendall-Coyle then had a purple patch as he took a couple of ripping contested marks and slotted two crucial goals from just inside-50 in a couple of minutes to regain the momentum for Albion.
Tyler Parkinson then nailed the sealer from an acute angle 45-metres out after he laid a strong tackle on former teammate Ahmed Mesto to see Albion round out 17-point winners.
Newport's Sebastian Micucci, Thomas Beard and Ahmed Mesto all tried hard and Mitchell Taleb kicked two goals. Albion's Cooper Muir and Connor McPherson were standouts and James Leach slotted two goals.
Unfortunately there was no second game this round as Wyndhamvale had to forfeit their match against Sanctuary Lakes at Featherbrook Reserve.
Round 15 will see Albion host Werribee Districts at JR Parsons Reserve who will look to get their season back on track. Sanctuary Lakes have the bye
Last Modified on 11/07/2016 12:36