NEWPORT HOLD-OFF EAGLES
By CONNOR PAIN
Munir El Houli’s best on ground performance helped Newport hold off a pesky Yarraville Seddon, to run out 7.9. (51) to 7.7. (49) winners on Saturday.
The visitors started strongly as Owen King (four goals) kicked a goal for the Eagles within the first minute and early on it looked as if Yarraville would score on each forward 50 entry.
El Houli helped Newport back into the game with his first major, and set up several marks inside 50 for the home side.
The second and third quarter’s belonged to Newport as Mahmoud El-Hawli looked dangerous booting two goals, the home side turning a 10-point first quarter deficit into a 17-point lead at the final break.
King was a standout all day but couldn’t will the Eagles to victory. The visitors missed several good chances late that proved to be the difference as Newport held on for the two-point win.
A game ahead of the Eagles in fourth place, Newport will travel to Manor Lakes in Round 4 while Yarraville will look to get back to winning ways when they host West Footscray.
Four goals to one in the fourth quarter saw Parkside down West Footscray by 24-points.
Parkside’s biggest lead at a break was just seven points, but the late blitz helped down the Roosters as the visitors edged out the 13.11. (89) to 8.17. (65) win.
Matthew Chen had his second best on ground performance in three weeks while Brent Kelly continued his hot form with four majors for the winners.
Parkside will look to remain undefeated when they host Wyndhamvale.
Point Cook Centrals held on for a huge one-point win against Manor Lakes despite a late comeback from the Storm on Anzac Day.
The visitors kicked five goals to two in the fourth but it wasn’t enough as the home side did enough to hold on and record their second win of 2019.
Jackson Lesko kicked four majors in the loss while Kurt Mayne paced the Centrals with three goals.
Point Cook will look for their third win of the season as they travel to North Footscray.
Wyndhamvale ran riot over North Footscray, piling on nine goals in the fourth quarter to crush the Devils 21.21. (147) to 4.7. (31).
The Falcons had 11 different goal kickers in the 113-point thrashing that sees them sit comfortably on top of the ladder after three rounds.