Got it … Thomas Millar takes a strong mark for Sunshine. 66859 Picture: KRISTIAN SCOTT
By Michael Esposito
SUNSHINE’S 17-point loss to Altona on Saturday was yet another case of almost but not enough.
The Vikings set up the win with a 5.5 (35) to 0.0 (0) first quarter against the struggling Kangaroos, who were without the Wiggins brothers, Patrick and Simon.
The under-strength Sunshine showed character to restrict Altona to three goals in the second half and kick six of its own, but it was too little too late.
Sunshine’s average losing margin this year has been 18 points and its biggest losing margin was just 22 points – suggesting a competitive side lacking the killer punch necessary to be a contender this season.
Sunshine remains stranded on seventh with three wins, and a finals berth is all but a lost cause.
Albion and Hoppers Crossing played out a thrilling draw, with the scores locked at 10.16 (76) apiece at the final siren.
The Warriors got the jump on the Cats and were 11 points up at quarter-time, but Albion went into half-time with a three-point lead, then extended it to 13 points at the last break.
But Hoppers Crossing refused to give in and displayed a new-found determination that has been on full display since the Warriors were embarrassed by Spotswood in round seven.
The Warriors have proven to be a tough match-up for the Cats, who have shown to have the measure of most other clubs. Albion defeated Hoppers crossing by just five points in round two.
Sunshine Heights recorded its second and most satisfying victory of the season, against North Footscray. The Dragons defeated the Devils 11.11 (77) to 7.14 (56).
Sunshine kicked five goals to one in the first quarter to have a handy lead, but North Footscray challenged the Dragons in the second quarter, cutting the margin to two goals at the main break.
But the Dragons showed character to wrest back control in the third quarter to hold on to a morale-boosting win.
Sunshine Heights’ Nicholas Mallia, who is coming second in radio station SEN’s division one most valuable player award, was best on ground.
St Albans had no trouble against bottom side Glen Orden, which had caretaker coach Justin Menzel after the club parted ways with Jason Fastuca. The Saints won a predictably one-sided game 28.29 (197) to 1.8 (14). Aaron Henneman kicked 11 goals.
Spotswood bounced back from its first loss of the season last week with a hard-fought 18.24 (132) to 14.12 (96) win against Port Melbourne.
