By NICK GALEA - Under-19's
HOPPERS Crossing are back in the premiership mix despite sitting seventh on the Under-19 ladder, after a comprehensive victory over top four aspirant Albion.
The opening term saw Albion unable to tame Hoppers Crossing who displayed hard running and exquisite foot skills, finding targets with ease with Chase Guy the dominant man on the ground setting the midfield alight to see Hopper Crossing lead by 26-points at quarter time.
In the second quarter Albion's intensity increased drastically helping them trim the margin to a manageable 16-points.
The match promised to be a ripper after Jacob Tonkinson blasted a goal from 45 to have Albion only trail by 10-points, but Hoppers Crossing regained composure and control of the midfield winning numerous clearances to slam six consecutive goals, two coming from Haidyn Shade to prevent a second comeback and see them up by 50-points at the end of the third quarter.
With the sting out of the game early in the last quarter, Hoppers Crossing and Albion traded goals and put their minds towards their next opponents.
For Hoppers Crossing, Lachlan Grant kicked eight goals but it was Chase Guy and Jake Xuereb that stole the show with outstanding performances.
Jai Veljanovski, Soni Rainbow and Jhoshuar Dean (4 goals) were the best for Albion.
Other results in Round 7 saw Werribee Districts strengthen its claim as a premiership threat after accounting for Spotswood by 41-points.
Caroline Springs ran rampant against Albanvale by 289-points with Jack Tarr and Frank Campisi slotting 10 and eight goals each.
St Albans notched consecutive wins with an 81-point win over Wyndhamvale.
The Wyndham Suns bumped into a furious Yarraville Seddon Eagles going down 22.15. (147) to 1.2. (8).
Lastly Altona defeated Newport 25.9. (169) to 4.1. (25) to continue its undefeated season.
Round 8 of the season will return on June 17 when top four hopefuls Caroline Springs and Werribee Districts square off, Altona will host St Albans whilst Spotswood and Albion will look to get its season back on track when they verse the Wyndham Suns and Newport.
Yarraville will travel to Albanvale and Wyndhamvale will take on Hoppers Crossing.
Last Modified on 05/06/2017 13:47