PICTURE GALLERY: Hoppers Crossing v St Albans
THE pressure is mounting at Hoppers Crossing after a 38-point home loss to St Albans in Western Region Football League division 1 on Saturday.
The Warriors were tipped to make it deep into the finals this season after topping up with quality players and given the expected natural improvement of their talented crop of youngsters.
As it stands, just making the finals will be a stretch for Wyndham’s only top-flight club.
After a promising start to the season, the Warriors have lost three of their past four matches and languish a game and percentage outside the top four.
They have beaten just one team above them on the ladder – St Albans in the season opener.
Their five games against the top four – Spotswood (twice, losses by 57 and 68), Sunshine (63 points), Altona (46) and Deer Park (57) – have resulted in losses by an average margin of 58 points.
There’s no respite for the Warriors in the final six rounds.
After Saturday’s trip to new side Yarraville-Seddon, they face giantkiller Sunshine, which became the first team to beat Deer Park on Saturday, followed by a trip to last year’s premier, Altona.
The Warriors will also meet Deer Park in the run home.
With ground to make up and a tough draw, it will take an almighty effort for the Warriors to figure in this year’s finals. If they muster enough wins to make a return to the top five, they will have certainly earned it.
In division 2 action at the weekend, Manor Lakes produced a cricket score to beat North Sunshine by 194 points at Howqua Reserve.
The Storm, led by Frank Pavez, Shaun Gill and Andrew Heyde, held the visitors goalless in the first half.
They made waves of their own on the attacking end, with Blake Pilkington booting seven goals and Ty Priest five.
Sanctuary Lakes lost a thriller by one point to Albanvale at Robert Bruce Reserve.
Jack Marlais, Jessi Lampi and Danny Hutcheson were best for the Sharks.
