By LIAM TWOMEY
SUNSHINE achieved what no other club in the Western Region Football League has been able to after the Kangaroos defeated Deer Park by 45 points on Saturday.
In one of the upsets of the season, Sunshine led from start to finish in the clash with five goals in each of the first three quarters helping to set up the win.
Despite Deer Park winning the last quarter, it wasn’t enough to reel in the margin with the final score reading 16.10 (106) to 9.7 (61).
“We just had 22 committed players basically,” Sunshine coach Brett Jacobs said.
“There was no magic game plan that got us over the top. The players were really committed and applied themselves and got rewarded for it.
“It was great to get a good start and that helps the players believe in the game plan and continue to play that style of footy.
“I thought the first half was where we really set up the game. We were in a commanding position at half time … and to the players’ credit, they didn’t drop off.”
Patrick Wiggins was dominant on the Kangaroos’ forward line, booting four goals to continue his outstanding season.
He was well supported by Tom Millar and Cory Connor who also kicked four goals each.
Around the ground, Russell Douglas worked hard to be named among the club’s best players.
For Deer Park, Kwame McHarg worked hard and finished with four goals.
The weekend’s result sees Sunshine remain in contention for a spot in the top three with the Kangaroos equal on points with Spotswood.
“It is good for the confidence and it keeps us in touch with the top three as well,” Jacobs said.
“I think everybody has locked in the top three as Spotswood, Deer Park and Altona and what we have done now is keep ourselves in touch and in the calculations for a top three finish as long as we keep performing at a high level.”
Deer Park remains on top of the ladder, one game clear of Altona.
In what will be a blockbuster clash this Saturday, the Lions and Vikings will square off in a top-of-the-table encounter while Sunshine will meet Port Melbourne.
