By CONNOR PAIN - Division 1 Reserves
In a tight and low-scoring contest, Hoppers Crossing used seven goals in the second half to overcome a half-time deficit and down Altona 10.7. (67) to 4.9.(33).
Neither side jumped out of the blocks, as the two top-four teams battled in what could be a grand final preview.
The Vikings led at the first and second quarter breaks, but its inefficient kicking (three goals and eight behinds in the first half) kept the Warriors in the game.
The 34-point win highlights Hoppers Crossing’s premiership credentials and its ability to grind out close games.
In the upcoming round, we will see Hoppers face Wyndhamvale, with Altona travelling to Spotswood to face the Woodsmen.
A season-high 12 goals to Ryan Harrington headlined the Werribee District’s 138-point demolition of Albion at the weekend.
It has been the same story of many matches this season, with the game effectively over after the first quarter as the Districts booted eight goals and held its opponent to just a solitary behind.
The game got worse for the Cats as Werribee ran ragged over them, reaffirming them as potential grand finalists.
The most damning stat of the day is that the Districts were able to kick more goals than the Cats scored points, in the 24.16. (160) to 3.4. (22) smashing.
Werribee will next battle Deer Park while the Cats will look lick their wounds for another week as they have the Round 14 bye.
The Lions are just percentage points outside of the top four after its hard-fought 23-point win over Spotswood.
Despite the scores finishing relatively low, the game appeared headed for a blowout after Deer Park were able to jump out to a 29-point lead going into half-time.
The Woodsmen hit back in the third with three goals of its own, however it was unable to bridge the gap any further as the Lions kept pace with its opponents scoring and eventually winning 10.6. (66) to 6.7. (43).
Meanwhile, St. Albans cruised to an 83-point win over Wyndhamvale.
The matchup started strongly, with the Saints leading by just a goal at quarter time.
Eight goals to one behind in favour of St. Albans in the second term all but ended the contest and the Falcons hopes.
The 18.22. (130) to 7.5. (47) victory sees the Saints jump Albion on the ladder and into sixth place.
Sunshine, who had the bye last round, will travel to its close rivals and battle St. Albans on Saturday.
Last Modified on 12/07/2016 13:19