Tara Murray
Point Cook Centrals got some reward for effort with the side getting their first ever Western Region Football League division 1 win.
After going close a couple of times in the first four rounds, the Sharks were able to show composure in the last quarter to beat Hoppers Crossing.
Sharks coach Dean Chambers was a relieved man to finally have some points on the board.
“It’s fantastic for the whole club,” he said.
“It’s a big step up into division 1 and it’s a reward for the group and the reward for the effort.
“We’ve been in every game and lost two of the four games by under a kick, it’s nice to finish the good work.”
After not finishing off the job against Spotswood last week, the Sharks were keen to make sure it didn’t happen again.
The Warriors led at the first two breaks, before taking control of the game in the third quarter.
It didn’t last for long with the Sharks kicking late goals to lead at the last break.
Four goals to one in the final term, sealed the 12.12 (84)-9.8 (62) win.
Chamber said they were able to keep their composure when it was needed.
“We had some of their former players playing for us, they’re a bit of a cross town rival,” he said.
“It was close all day and they got out to a 22 point lead half way through the third quarter.
“We rallied as a group and there was a will to win in the last quarter. We didn’t run out the game against Spotswood, but this week we were able to create turnovers and get the game on our terms.
“It was a great game of football.”
Daniel Rosenzweig, Daniel Strnak and Lachlan Grant kicked two goals each for Sharks.
For the Warriors, Riley and Ryan Kitchen kicked two goals apiece.
Mitchell Palma, Haidyn Shade, Aaron Law and Kieran Corrigan were the Sharks best, while Chambers highlighted the work of the back seven.
The win moves Point Cook up to sixth on the ladder.
Chambers said all the signs so far had shown they are heading in the right direction.
“It’s all about belief,” he said. “Of the teams outside the top four, we have the best percentage and that is a good indicator that while we haven’t been getting the points, we’re not getting blown away.
“We need to stay strong for longer in games and keep knocking on the door.”
The Sharks this week face Yarraville Seddon Eagles, the only team without a win at this stage.
Chambers said they won’t be taking them lightly.
In other results, Werribee Districts snuck home against Point Cook.
The Bulldogs were wasteful early on and allowed the Tigers to lead at quarter time.
The Tigers were able to stay in front at each of the breaks, but were never able to blow the Bulldogs away.
The Tigers won, 9.11 (65)-7.15 (57).
The Tigers remain undefeated.
