CONTENDERS STAMP THEIR AUTHORITY
By SAM RICHARDS
Seeing is believing and Round 6 of the WRFL Under 18’s produced five stunning victories from teams with genuine premiership aspirations.
Starting with the fourth placed Yarraville Seaddon Eagles, who sought redemption against Hoppers Crossing 1, after last week’s upset loss to the Warriors other side, Hoppers Crossing 2.
Heading into the match, the Eagles were heavy favourites and played accordingly with a stunning 207-point victory, 32.16 (208) to 0.1 (1).
The Eagles were dominant all day and produced the highest scoring second half of the season, kicking a remarkable 19 goals in a ruthless display of spread, pace and offensive flare.
The statement win was highlighted by 16 goals between Ben Doll (9 goals) and Mohammed Haddara (7 goals), while Lachlan Green and Darcy Grieves provided exceptional run and carry all game.
As remarkable as the Eagles victory was, the lopsided margin would turn out to be a sign of things to come.
Third-placed Caroline Springs produced their own dominant display of force, defeating a Werribee Centrals side fresh of their Round 5 bye, 33.21 (219) to 1.2 (8).
Like the Eagles, the Lakers used a dominant second half (17 goals) to claim the percentage boosting win and were exceptionally led by Damon Cardona, Mason Bawden and Mutaz El Nour who kicked four goals apiece, while Joshua Iglesias and Dylan Hurlston both performed strongly.
Next up, Werribee Districts 1 fell just short of reaching 200 points, kicking 30.14 (194) to 2.1 (13) to claim a 181-point victory over the Sunshine Kangaroos.
Kortez Hawea-King electrified the crowd with a game high 7-goals, while Lachlan Grima continued his stellar season polling best on ground votes.
Fresh off their crucial win over the Eagles in Round 5, Hoppers Crossing 1 gave a ruthless four-quarter effort to claim a 168-point win over the Bulldogs, 25.21 (171) to 0.3 (3).
Regan Vesty was busy all day for the victors, while Bilal Chehade (8 goals) and Ezzat Haddara ( 4 goals) kicked 12 goals between them.
In the closest game of the round, Altona defeated Werribee Districts 2 by 49-points, 12.8 (80) to 5.1 (31) at home.
The Vikings would use a strong third quarter (22 points to 6) to break away from District 2, after a strong second quarter fight back from Werribee brought the deficit down to two goals.
James Callaway produced his second consecutive eye-catching performance, while Lars Vidovic played his best game of the season kicking five goals.
In the final game of the round, 8th placed Spotswood claimed their second win of the year, defeating St Albans by 84-points.
The victors were well represented on the scoreboard by Harrison Newitt, Patrick Dragovic and Abdul El Houli (3 goals each) who kicked 9 of Spotswood’s 16 goals.
A live look at the ladder shows Werribee Districts 1, Caroline Springs and Altona, all battling it out for the league’s best record at 5 wins a piece, while Yarraville closes out the top four with a 4-1 record.
Flemington had the bye.