Tara Murray
Wyndhamvale has stamped itself as the third best side in the Western Football League division 2 competition, with a solid win against Newport.
The two sides have been sitting third and fourth for most of the season, able to beat everyone but the top two sides.
On Saturday, a strong second quarter propelled the Falcons to their 10th win of the season, winning 13.5 (83)-8.13 (61).
Falcons co-coach Rob May said it was a really important game for them.
“We’ve now pushed out to a three game gap on them with the percentage ahead we are,” he said.
“I think Albion and Sunshine are a class above us and Newport at the moment. To get the win and put us ahead will hopefully hold us in good stead for the rest of the season.
“Hopefully we can sew up third position.”
May said they entered the match with the Panthers missing six of their best 22. It meant little once they got on the field.
He said it was just the second quarter that separated the two teams.
“We can’t complain about anything from the game, it was a fair effort,” he said. “I thought we had a good second quarter.
“It was the end result. Newport had a little lapse in the second quarter. They are a really skilful side and we looked to play a certain brand and close them out.
“They did give us a scare late.”
Matthew Paul kicked three goals for the Falcons and Ryley McGaw kicked two goals.
May said Aaron Scarborough and Liam Briggs were their two standouts as everyone played their role in the win.
It doesn’t get any easier for the Falcons, facing an undefeated Albion this Saturday.
May said it was a good time to face them.
“Hopefully we’ll get some players back,” he said. “They are the best side in it, but on the day anything can happen.
“We’ll do a few things differently to try and nullify their weapons and go from there. We had an easy first eight weeks, we’ve now had Sunshine, Newport and Albion, we’ll know we’re we are at.”
In other results, the Suns had a 16.8 (104)-3.7 (25) win against Tarneit.
The Suns remain in fifth spot and Tarneit in 13th.
In division 1, Werribee Districts had its second draw of the season, this time against Yarraville Seddon.
The Eagles come from 20 points down at three quarter time to level the scores.
Hoppers Crossing was no match for Caroline Springs and Point Cook’s tough run continues, losing to Altona.
