NEWPORT BACK IN FINALS HUNT
By CONNOR PAIN
Newport produced arguably its best final quarter in 2019, kicking four fourth quarter goals to come from behind with a 14-point win against Point Cook Centrals, keeping their finals hopes alive.
The stirring win looked unlikely at times, the Sharks seemingly having an answer at every turn, but Newport kept pushing and produced the goods when needed.
Both teams jumped out of the blocks with a combined 11 goals scored in the first quarter alone, setting the tone for a back and forth affair that didn’t relent until the final siren.
Four goals to each side in the second quarter saw the home side enter the half up by just seven points, neither team able to get a grip on the matchup.
The Sharks once again won the quarter (three goals to two) and it looked like they would hold off Newport’s advances enough to get the four points.
The visitors had other plans however, holding Point Cook Centrals to just one behind in the last quarter and adding four goals of their own. Mustafa Mesto led from the front with seven majors in one of his best performances of the season.
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The win highlights Newport’s finals intentions and puts them in the finals hunt with four games remaining.
Point Cook Centrals travel to face West Footscray and will look to bounce back from the disappointing loss.
Yarraville Seddon edged out a tough 32-point win against North Footscray despite having 17 more scoring shots.
Jacob Connors, Nicholas Tsaloukis and Liam Murray all played well for the Eagles.
Rhys Kirk led the Devils with two goals in the loss but with just four goalkickers total the home side fought an uphill battle.
The second-placed Eagles will do battle against ladder-leaders Wyndhamvale this week in what should be a tantalising match-up that could decide who finishes on top.
Wyndhamvale ran riot over West Footscray to the tune of 116-points, boosting the Falcons percentage by close to 12 percent.
Nathan Bisset had a game-high six goals as the ladder leaders booted 14 goals to two in the second half, finishing with fury in the 23.16. (154) to 5.8. (36) victory.