By Lance Jenkinson
Hoppers Crossing made it nine games in a row without defeat in Western Region Football League division 1 thanks to a 73-point mauling of the Sunshine Kangaroos at Hogans Road Reserve on Saturday.
The Warriors remain in hot pursuit of a top-three finish and a finals double chance.
The fourth-placed Warriors are two points behind a trio of teams – ladder leader Deer Park, Spotswood and Werribee Districts.
Hoppers Crossing came out breathing fire against Sunshine.
The Warriors kicked nine of the opening 10 goals of the match to take an unassailable 55-point lead into half- time.
They cruised to victory in the second half, despite Sunshine putting up a bit more resistance.
Braden Ferrari had a day out for Hoppers Crossing, kicking five goals.
Others to impress for the Warriors were Chris Endres, Ashlin Brown and Aaron Williams, who kicked four goals.
Werribee Districts defeated Wyndhamvale by 47 points. Trent Lee kicked five goals in the Tigers’ win.
In division 2, Point Cook played its first match under lights at Saltwater Reserve on Saturday night and was victorious by 21 points over Manor Lakes.
In division 3, Tarneit won a thrilling top-of-the-table clash with Wyndham Suns by four points.
In VAFA division 3, Westbourne Grammarians trounced Manningham Cobras by 94 points.
In the GDFL, Werribee Centrals cruised to a 47-point win over Anakie.
Point Cook will face Braybrook in the inaugural WRFL netball grand final at the VU Community Sports Stadium on Friday night.
Point Cook earned a direct path to the decider after beating North Footscray 44-18 in a semi-final.
