By NICK GALEA - Under-19 Division 2
A spirited Sanctuary Lakes Sharks have pulled off a major upset defeating Werribee Districts 12.4. (76) to 8.8 (56) with Sharks coach Sam La Chima saying it was one of the best wins he'd been involved in.
Earlier this season the Tigers had hammered the Sharks on both occasions to the tune of 139 and 84-points, but the opening quarter suggested a similar result wasn't on the cards.
The first quarter was full of skill and flair as both sides played at a thrilling pace despite the sedate opening minutes with Werribee leading 2.2. (14) to 1.0. (6) at the first change.
Werribee controlled the early stages of the second term and skipped out to a three goal lead after Brodie Flude executed a classy set shot from a tricky angle, but the Sharks hit back and kicked four consecutive majors to steal the lead with two coming from Adam Elbob to hold a nine-point advantage at half-time.
In a brilliant third quarter, Werribee regained the initiative after the main break kicking two of the first three goals and it looked like the match would run true to script, but Sanctuary Lakes dug deep and a terrific tackle by Luke Coleiro on Matthew Kaszuba halted the momentum with Nicholas Sutton kicking a key goal to keep the Tigers at bay.
The goal gave the home side some belief heading into the last break.
Werribee got the crucial first goal of the last quarter to trim the margin to nine-points, but within a minute it was back to 15 after Yohhanes Getahun took a strong grab in the goal square.
The Tigers upped the pressure, but couldn't break through the Sharks defence.
A Payton Meiers smother on Scott Woods and a strong one handed mark by Mitchel Grima in Sanctuary Lakes forward half proved to be telling as he spotted up Jordan Johnson-Boe who calmly slotted the sealer.
Nicholas Sutton was dominant in the ruck and Grima, Elbob and Jordan Johnson-Boe were tremendousfor Sanctuary Lakes, especially in the last quarter.
Werribee's Chanse Peixito and Andrew Montalto were immense, Lanz Doctor kicked three goals and Cameron Keenan read the play with ease.
There unfortunately wasn't another game played this round as Wyndhamvale had to forfeit their match against Albion due to lack of numbers.
Werribee Districts will aim to bounce back against Newport at Soldiers Reserve whereas Sanctuary Lakes will look to continue its newfound confidence against Albion at Featherbrook Reserve.
Last Modified on 27/06/2016 13:33