SHARKS SECURE MINOR PREMIERSHIP
By NICK BOYLAN
The last round of the Division 3 season saw the finals matchups set, as clear skies provided a stark contrast to the previous weekend’s action, and set the scene for numerous high-scoring affairs.
Point Cook Centrals were able to clinch the minor premiership with an impressive 35-point win over a gallant Sunshine Heights. Both defences held up well under opening salvos, with Sunshine Heights’ tackling pressure not allowing the Sharks running power to take over.
After quarter time however, the Sharks were able to show how damaging they can be, with their speed and movement too much for the Dragons to contain. Riley Colbert started the game slowly, but worked into the contest, with his damaging run and carry off half-back instrumental in a Point Cook win, as they ran away from Sunshine Heights in the latter stages of the game.
Sunshine Heights will be happy with their second half of the year, looking to springboard into more success for next year.
Tarneit tuned up for their finals action, with a ruthless 73-point win over Braybrook. If not for inaccuracy, the Titans could have had an even larger win, kicking 13 goals to 19 behinds. Aaron Molivas and Richard Psaila starred for Tarneit, while Daniel O’Mara and Luke Fox impressed in Braybrook’s defeat.
Braybrook forward Paul Cutajar-Milosev also finished the home-and-away season on 67 goals leading the Division 3 goal kicking tally in a masterful season up forward.
Laverton were able to end their season on a high with a dominant 107-point win over Glen Orden, with a balanced scoring effort the highlight of the Magpies impressive performance. Wayne Donaldson and Jack Burgess battled hard for the Hawks all day, as Glen Orden will look forward to a finals tilt in 2019.
The Wyndham Suns bounced back with a much needed win, dominating North Sunshine by 140-points. Matthew Kozole and Josh Stephens starred with six goals each, while veteran Hung Phan battled hard for the Roadrunners all day.
The Suns will be happy to get some form back on the eve of finals, as they look to recapture the form that saw them start the season 12-0. North Sunshine will look to rebound from a disappointing 2018, and hit the ground running for next season.
The finals for week one are now set, with Point Cook Central set to take on Tarneit to book a place in the Division 3 Grand Final, while the Wyndham Suns will take on Braybrook in an Elimination Final.