By LIAM TWOMEY
A BAG of six goals from forward Patrick Wiggins helped Sunshine to an impressive 63-point win against Hoppers Crossing on Saturday.
In what looked like a blockbuster clash on paper, the Kangaroos wasted no time getting accustomed to the conditions and made the better start to the match, booting seven goals to three in the opening quarter to open up a 23-point lead.
There was no letting up after the fast start either, with a five-goal-to-one second quarter seemingly shutting the gate on any possible Hoppers Crossing comeback.
The 46-point half time margin only grew in the second half as Sunshine completed a solid four-quarter hit out to secure the 21.14 (140) to 10.17 (77) win.
Sunshine coach Brett Jacobs was rapt with his side’s performance against a quality opposition.
“It was a four-quarter performance and I was really proud of the guys’ discipline and determination to be able to play really good footy from siren to siren,” he said.
“We’ve got Tom Millar who has been kicking goals, Cam Taylor, Mitch Hahn and our smalls are getting goals so that gives us a few avenues to goal now.
“Patrick’s last couple of weeks have been really good and he is a quality player. When he is on he is hard to stop, and he was certainly on yesterday.”
While the six-goal haul from Wiggins was a highlight on the forward line for the Kangaroos, Kieran Murphy and Cameron Taylor also chipped in with bags of three.
Around the ground, Ben Humphrey and Scott Smith were among the best for Sunshine.
For Hoppers Crossing, Terry Knight finished the game with three goals and Adam Poland booted two.
Saturday’s result sees Sunshine move into third spot on the WRFL ladder with the club’s only loss for the season coming at the hands of the undefeated Deer Park in round three.
“We have been pretty good because we have got quite a few new guys, so we are still gelling and learning,” Jacobs said.
“We have got quite a few new guys, but I certainly think the group has matured. Our younger players have improved and we have recruited quite well, so I am certainly happy with where we sit at the moment.
“We are hopeful we can keep our good form going and win a few more and see where it takes us.
Hoppers Crossing occupies fifth position with a 3-2 win/loss record for the season.
When round six gets underway this weekend, Sunshine will take on St Albans and Hoppers Crossing will meet reigning premier Altona.
