By NICK GALEA – Under-19
IN extremely tough conditions at Grant Reserve, the Altona Vikings notched an important 21-point victory over a combative Caroline Springs as they aim for a top two finish.
The final score was 8.5. (53) to 4.8. (32).
With the immense breeze favouring the Bluegum Drive end, both sides defences were under the pump all game as play barely left the forward-50. Such were the conditions, neither side scored at the Cherry Lake end.
Altona started off quite well as they controlled the early stages of the quarter pumping the ball inside 50 numerous times, but Caroline Springs defence did a fantastic job limiting the damage with strong intercept marking.
A lapse in concentration with a minute left in the term allowed a Matthew Wright major to put the Vikings 19-points ahead at the first break.
Play continued mainly in the second quarter at the Bluegum Drive end, but Caroline Springs didn't adapt to the whirlwind breeze with the Lakers only kicking the one goal to see them nine points down at half-time.
Altona opened up the game in the third quarter as they brought the ball to ground and made space at stoppages resulting in five goals which took the game out of reach for the Lakers who were held scoreless for the term.
At three quarter time it was Altona by 43-points.
The Lakers fought back in the final quarter as they became smarter with their ball use, switching the play and changing the angles which produced three late goals, but it was too little too late as the damage had already been done.
Altona's Jack Papachatzakis slotted four goals, whilst Will Taylor and Sam Paton tried hard all game. For the Lakers, Jacob Vella and Will Markovski put in a strong four quarter effort.
Round 14 saw Yarraville and Spotswood play out a thrilling draw with the Woodsmen kicking the last three goals to tie the scores at 10.3. (63) to 9.9. (63) and the Werribee Districts defeated Albanvale 24.11. (155) to 1.0 (6).
The Wyndham Suns continue to push for fifth place after a 26-point win over Wyndhamvale, 6.20. (56) to 3.12. (30) and Hoppers Crossing secured another four points to close the gap on the top three.
Round 15 will see Caroline Springs host Yarraville whilst Werribee will tackle the Wyndham Suns.
Albion will travel to St Albans to keep their finals hopes alive and Hoppers Crossing will verse Wyndhamvale.
Albanvale come up against Altona and Spotswood have the bye.
Last Modified on 31/07/2017 12:20