Sunshine’s Josh Croft chases Spotswood’s Luke Ryan as he kicks forward. 83794_05 Picture: KRISTIAN SCOTTJob name: WRFLsunshi
By MICHAEL ESPOSITO
SPOTSWOOD kept its flawless record intact with a workmanlike victory over Sunshine on Saturday.
The Woodsmen gradually drew away from Sunshine after a tight first quarter, to win 13.17 (95) to 7.13 (55).
Both sides wasted opportunities but Spotswood had enough class to break the game open in the last term, turning a 17-point three quarter time lead into a 40-point victory.
Christian Elliot kicked four goals to take his season tally to 21, while in-form defender Ahmed Souki was superb.
Tom Langlands also continued his hot run of form and has emerged as a genuine Barry Priest medal chance.
Sunshine was well served by Ben Humphrey and Brenton Quinn, while Chris Tripodi kicked three goals.
Sunshine hang on to fifth spot on the Western Region Football League ladder despite the loss, and has an opportunity to consolidate a finals spot in its next two games against North Footscray and Albion, before a Round 15 clash against Deer Park, which looms as the Kangaroos’ biggest challenger to fifth place.
Spotswood’s next game is against Port Melbourne, which played itself back into form with a 39-point win against St Albans.
In an incredible match, Port Melbourne had booted 17 goals by half-time and had a whopping 68-point lead, but St Albans hit back with an eight goal to one third quarter to leave the door open for a remarkable come-from-behind victory.
But the Colts held firm in the last quarter to claim victory and keep in tough with the top three.
Hoppers Crossing kept third place with a 20.19 (136) to 9.6 (60) win against Albion.
The Warriors pretty much had the game wrapped up by half-time, when they held a 52-point lead.
Deer Park’s 65-point win against North Footscray kept its finals hopes well and truly alive. The Lions are just one game outside the top five but their run home includes games against three of the top four sides.
Deer Park was only seven points up at half-time but flexed its muscle to run away with a comfortable win.
Gareth Daley kicked five goals while Kevin Klix, who has emerged as one of the most exciting talents in the WRFL, was best on ground.
• The latest edition of the WRFL’s web TV show can be viewed on the league’s website and its YouTube page. It’s the first show broadcast from sports radio station SEN. The show features interviews with former Altona junior Jake McKenzie, who recently starred for Vic Metro at the NAB AFL Under 18 Championships, Yarraville Seddon coach David Connell and Spotswood player Elliot Wood, who attributed his side’s remarkable run of success to the club’s outstanding junior program.
