By NICK GALEA – Under-19
THE Yarraville Seddon Eagles have held off a fast finishing Altona Vikings by 13-points at Grant Reserve as they looked to gain a psychological edge in a potential finals rematch in two week’s time.
Both sides took turns controlling the opening stanza. Altona got the opening goal through Jack Papachatzakis before Yarraville's Lachlan Huell responded with his first.
Despite each sides inaccuracy, it was Altona who lead at the first break, 1.4. (10) to 1.3. (9).
The second term was a replica of the first quarter as Yarraville controlled the play early with Huell getting his second goal and Kyle Blake his first before Lachlan Fox responded for Altona. At half time Yarraville lead by 10 points.
In the third quarter Yarraville's ball movement was a worry for the Vikings as they rebounded with pace resulting in a great passage of play from Brandon Lester which allowed Blake Green to make the margin 16-points.
Altona's intensity lifted in the back half of the quarter, but Yarraville extended their lead to 20-points with a Matthew Wright goal.
Altona pressed hard in the final quarter and closed the gap to two goals after Joel Menadue and Jack Papachatzakis slotted majors but Kyle Blake kicked his second for Yarraville a minute later to slow the momentum.
The Vikings kept coming, but a crucial mark to Connor Smillie on Yarraville's defensive 50 ended their chances of a comeback.
Ethan Taylor and Jack Nolan were the Vikings best and Joel Menadue slotted two goals. For the Eagles, Kyle Blake was strong in the air and kicked two goals whilst Leonardo Larizza and Thomas Webster put in four quarter performances.
Round 16 saw Wyndhamvale defeat St Albans by 11-points, Werribee Districts kept Spotswood goalless after half-time to win 21.18. (144) to 5.3. (33) and Caroline Springs hammered the Wyndham Suns 21.9. (135) to 2.2. (14).
Hoppers Crossing with one eye on the finals took care of Albanvale 36.22. (238) to 0.1 (1) with Lachlan Grant kicking 15 goals (62 for the season) and lastly Albion had the bye.
The final round of the season will see Altona and Hoppers Crossing lock horns at Hogans Reserve to fight for a qualifying final spot, Caroline Springs host Spotswood while Albion travel to Soldiers Reserve to face the Werribee Districts.
Yarraville face Albanvale, the Wyndham Suns will verse St Albans and Wyndhamvale have the bye.
Last Modified on 14/08/2017 13:31