By LIAM TWOMEY
SPOTSWOOD recovered from a slow start to post a convincing 46-point win over Sunshine in round eight of the Western Region Football League on Saturday.
In what looked liked a cracking contest between two of the competition’s strongest clubs, it was the home side Sunshine which enjoyed the better start in cold, wet and windy conditions.
The Kangaroos kicked three unanswered goals in the first quarter to go into the break with a 17-point lead.
However, Spotswood hit back after quarter time as the Woodsmen finally opened their goal-kicking tally.
Spotswood was able to close the margin to just three points at the long break and managed to carry that momentum through the rest of the match.
Despite fighting hard, a goalless third term from Sunshine proved to be costly, as the Woodsmen claimed the lead and then surged ahead to secure the 16.15 (111) to 9.11 (65) win.
“We started pretty well and then we just went away from the game plan a little bit which was disappointing,” Sunshine coach Brett Jacobs said.
“We weren’t able to sustain our effort for four quarters and they are a quality side. Once they got a run on, they went on with it.”
Simon Wiggins proved to be a more than handy inclusion for Sunshine, booting two goals in his first game for the club this season and was named among the Kangaroo’s best players.
He was joined in the best by his brother Patrick who continued his good goal-kicking form with a bag of three.
Jacobs said it was great to have Simon back at the club.
“It was his first game back so he was a bit underdone in terms of match fitness and preparation but obviously he is an elite player and a professional and he performed well,” he said.
“We think he will get better and better the more he plays.”
For Spotswood, Simon Pocervina was the Woodsmen’s most dangerous forward with three goals and Justin Dorward was named best on ground.
In total, 10 Spotswood players kicked goals in the win.
Saturday’s result sees Spotswood move into second place on the WRFL ladder while Sunshine drop to fourth.
After the bye week the Woodsmen will meet the struggling Port Colts while Sunshine will take on Altona.
