By Lance Jenkinson
Hoppers Crossing is the form side of the Western Region Football League division 1.
The Warriors made it seven straight victories on Saturday in a gutsy nine-point win over Spotswood on the road at McLean Reserve.
It looked as though the Warriors’ winning streak would be coming to an end when they trailed by 17 points at three-quarter time, but coach Steven Kretiuk rallied his side for one last push and the players delivered a match-winning five-goal-to-one last term.
Mathew Ryan was a surprise weapon in attack for Hoppers Crossing with four goals, while Jordan Cook, Riley Kitchen, who kicked two goals, and Chase Guy were named best.
Hoppers Crossing remains in the hunt for a double chance.
Given their inferior percentage to the other 10-win sides, the Warriors can hardly put a foot wrong in the run home.
A victory over Werribee Districts at Soldiers Reserve in a derby this Saturday would do their cause a power of good.
It won’t come easy, though, because Werribee Districts is on a win streak of its own.
The Tigers made it three straight with a 15-point win over Caroline Springs at Town Centre Oval to stay on top of the ladder.
In a low-scoring game, Aaron Law kicked three crucial goals for the Tigers, while Rhyce Prismall and Shaun McGuinness had standout games.
Meanwhile, Wyndhamvale was all but consigned to the wooden spoon after losing to second-last St Albans by 49 points at Kings Park Reserve.
Liam Scarborough impressed for the Falcons with four goals, but that wasn’t enough as
the Saints had too much firepower on the
day.
In division 2, Manor Lakes maintained its pursuit of a finals berth with a resounding 57-point win over in-form West Footscray.
The Storm is one of four teams jostling it out for two finals positions in the run home.
Ty Priest continued his red-hot form for the Storm with nine goals, making it 16 from his past two matches.
Point Cook had a disappointing day, kicking just three goals in a 33-point loss to Parkside.
Two games and percentage back from ladder leader Yarraville-Seddon, the Bulldogs’ minor premiership hopes look shot.
In division 3, Wyndham Suns lost for the first time this season, stopped in their tracks by Braybrook in a seven-point defeat.
Tarneit made it five straight wins in a 74-point crushing of Glen Orden.
