By PEPPE CAVALIERI - Division 1 Seniors
A NUMBER of storylines emerged from Division 1 on Saturday, not least that of Caroline Springs – which claimed its second-straight win – and turned the relegation discussion into a conversation surrounding three clubs.
The Lakers came from behind against a wasteful St Albans in Saturday’s twilight clash, eventually holding on for a four-point win.
Mat Sutton and Mitch Parsons kicked three goals apiece for the winners, while Matt Chapman and former Saint Keenan O’Shea ran amok.
The result sees St Albans remain in eighth spot, but only by the slenderest of percentage margins ahead of Caroline Springs in ninth.
Anthony Piva was the Saints’ best, while Tim Jenkins was one of four players to boot two goals.
Wyndhamvale now finds itself alone in 10th with one win and a far inferior percentage to the Lakers and Saints.
Of course, this relegation discussion could be irrelevant if the WRFL decides to continue with a 10-side Division 1 in 2018.
Both Caroline Springs and Wyndhamvale have expressed to head office their desire to remain in the top flight regardless of finishing positions in 2017.
The Falcons suffered a 51-point loss at the hands of Sunshine, who were well served by Daniel Castellano, five goals.
Ben Dessent continued his steady rise as one of the most consistent performers in the competition, while Majok Ngong kicked two goals for Wyndhamvale.
And in a clash that almost sets the top five in stone, Werribee Districts survived a late scare against Hoppers Crossing to win by three points.
The Tigers led all day through the agency of Andrew Panayi, seven goals, but conceded the lead late in the final term, only to reclaim it courtesy of Jordan Patty.
It was a startling wake-up call for the Warriors, who barely got going until late in the third term.
Jordan Mead was at his best, inspiring a late revival with five goals, but his side just fell short, and now finds itself in fourth spot.
Meanwhile, Altona again lost ground on the top five, losing by 20-points to Spotswood at home.
The Vikings had the better of the opening half, but could not take advantage of the 10 more scoring shots they had.
Three goals to Tom Langlands and a strong game from Murray Boyd led the Woodsmen to a strong seven-goal-to-three second half.
Deer Park remains a game clear atop the table after round 12, despite a serious challenge from Albion.
The Lions trailed at quarter time, but reclaimed control – without blowing the Cats away – at every other interval, before doing enough for a seven-point triumph.
Jase Perkins kicked five for the winners and Mark Galea four, while Chris Stewart imposed himself and Rod Van Riet created plenty.
Veteran Cat Jason Butina was sublime, as was playing coach Chris O’Keeffe, as Todd Finco, Paul Cutajar-Milosev and Marty Dufty provided focal points up forward.
WARRIORS GET HOME IN A NAILBITTER
By CONNOR PAIN - Division 1 Reserves
HOPPERS Crossing scraped over the line to earn its 10th win of the season, turning a one-point three quarter time deficit into a three-point win against the Werribee Districts.
The game was one of the closest of the seasons, as neither side led by more than a point at any break until the final siren.
The 10.11. (71) to 10.8. (68) win puts Hoppers just two games from top spot. They take on Caroline Springs this Saturday.
The loss puts the Districts three wins out of the top four in a game they’d be disappointed that they couldn’t win.
They’ll face a tough task in bouncing back as they host Altona in Round 13.
Caroline Springs kicked four goals to one in the fourth quarter to come from behind against St. Albans and win 8.15. (63) to 7.6. (48).
The Saints, like the aforementioned Districts, led for most of the day, but couldn’t hold onto its lead despite being ahead at each break.
The Lakers strong defence in the final term helped them earn their sixth win of the season. They now sit two competition points ahead of Werribee in fifth place on the ladder.
Shaun Collis’ four goals led the way for Altona in its 73-point victory against Spotswood. The win helps keep the Vikings in second position on the ladder.
Altona kept the Woodsmen scoreless in the second term, a big factor in helping one of the premiership contenders earn their 10th win of the year.
Spotswood will aim to bounce back this weekend, when they take on Albion.
Joshua Schembri’s seven goals helped Deer Park cruise to a 18.20. (128) to 4.4. (28) win against Albion.
The 100-point win gives the Lions the competition’s best percentage. They’ll battle Wyndhamvale in a game which could extend its sizeable percentage even further.
Jesse Hemmens’ booted a round-high eight goals for Sunshine in his side’s demolition of Wyndhamvale.
Both offence and defence were in sync for the Kangaroos who kept the bottom-placed Falcons to zero goals over the four quarters.
Last Modified on 10/07/2017 12:49