By LIAM TWOMEY
AN EIGHT-goal opening quarter from Hoppers Crossing helped the Warriors secure an impressive 60-point win against Albion on Saturday.
The Warriors burst out of the blocks to dominate the opening quarter and streak away to a 43-point lead at the first break.
Despite the margin being closed to 16 points at half time, Hoppers Crossing remained in control for the majority of the match as another eight-goal quarter, this time in the third term, sealed the win.
Terry Knight and Luke Wilson enjoyed a day out on the Warriors’ forward line, combing for an impressive 13 goals.
Around the ground, they were well supported by off-season recruits and former AFL duo Brodie Moles and James Mulligan who were both named in the best players.
For Albion, Todd Finco was impressive on an otherwise disappointing day.
He finished the match with five of his side’s 12 goals.
Johnathan O’Brien was the only other multiple goal kicker with two.
The 21.19 (145) to 12.13 (85) victory is the Warriors’ fourth of the season and keeps them within striking distance of the competition’s top four.
Hoppers Crossing is in fifth position on the ladder, one game behind Altona and Spotswood which occupy third and fourth respectively.
Albion slips to eighth spot with a 1-8 win/loss record for the season.
This week, Hoppers Crossing will take on the struggling North Footscray while Albion will meet an in-form St Albans.
Elsewhere in the WRFL, one poor quarter was all it took for Yarraville to lose touch with Sunshine.
The Eagles held a two-point lead at half time, however they conceded nine goals to the Kangaroos during a disastrous third quarter.
As the margin grew to 45 points, any chance of an upset quickly vanished.
Yarraville managed to regroup in the final term, but the damage was done and Sunshine took the 45-point win.
Jason Harmes was among the best for the Eagles while Dean Dorazio kicked three goals.
The 20.10 (130) to 12.13 (85) defeat is Yarraville’s sixth in a row since beating North Footscray in the opening game of the season.
The task won’t get any easier this week with the Eagles set to take on reigning premier Altona, which will be out to make up for a shock loss to St Albans.
