By Lance Jenkinson
Manor Lakes remains alive in the Western Region Football League division 2 finals race after a crushing 73-point win over third-placed North Footscray at Howqua Reserve on Saturday.
The Storm, which needed to win to keep in touch with the top four, scored 11 goals to two in the first half to lead by 56 points at the main break.
The Storm closed out the game with a six-goal-to-two second half.
Ty Priest was the focal point for the Storm with five goals, while Nathan Montague capped a stellar performance with three. Mitchell Davis also kicked three goals in the rout.
With two rounds to go, Manor Lakes has seven wins – just one win behind both North Footscray and Parkside.
Interestingly, North Footscray and Parkside will meet in the next round, so Manor Lakes has a chance to draw level with at least one of those two sides if it can beat Newport Power away at Bryan Martyn Oval on Saturday.
In division 1, Hoppers Crossing jumped to third with a 51-point win over Wyndhamvale.
Werribee Districts ceded fourth spot after a 13-point loss to Altona.
In division 3, Wyndham Suns lost their third game in four outings, to Point Cook Centrals by 12 points, tumbling from first to third.
Tarneit is the new ladder leader after a 97-point win over Laverton.
The Titans will square off with Centrals at Featherbrook Reserve on Saturday, with the winner to be in outright first place heading into the final round.
