By Adrian Ceddia
AARON James booted seven goals on his return to the Albion line-up to help the Cats to a thrilling 12-point win over Spotswood in Division One of the Western Region Football League on Saturday.
In a tough and free-flowing contest at McLean Reserve, the Woodsmen had their chances to clinch the match but fell just short and slipped a game outside the top five.
The match featured many classic one-on-one battles, including James on Spotswood full back Ray Jensen. At the other end Mark Keenan was well held by Trent Dell.
Led by a brilliant six-goal performance from Wayne Patak, the Woodsmen had the better of the early going, leading by 13 points at the first change after enjoying eight more scoring shots.
The home side maintained its slender lead going into the half time break, before four goals to three in the third stretched it out to 16 points with a quarter to play.
But Albion saved it all for last, kicking eight goals in the final term to run over the top and move into fourth position on the ladder.
Sunshine was the biggest mover of the round, jumping three spots to fifth after a percentage-boosting win over Seddon.
Darren Stenhouse kicked an amazing tally of 13 goals – the biggest haul of the season so far – as the Kangaroos romped to a 132-point victory.
The Hawks were never in the contest, trailing at half time by 54 points before adding just three goals in the final two quarters.
Hoppers Crossing is averaging almost 200 points per game after yet another huge win, this week by 167 points over Altona.
Dale Carson maintained his status as one of the most damaging forwards in the game by booting nine goals, while Matthew Shiel was the only multiple goalkicker for the winless Altona.
Port Colts remains unbeaten after a workmanlike victory over St Albans at Kings Park Reserve.
The Colts, led by six goals from spearhead Jason Clarke, jumped out to a 26-point lead at quarter time and were never headed, eventually winning by 44 points.
Trent Zantuck (six goals) and Michael Spooner (four) contributed all but one of the Saints’ tally for the afternoon.
Parkside leads the chasing pack after recording a comprehensive 38-point win over Yarraville.
The Magpies were in control early when they slammed on seven of the first eight goals. Despite being outscored in the second half, it was more than enough to secure them the four points.
