There were times when they appeared shaky, but Werribee Districts found a way past a gutsy St Albans to win by 21 points in division 1 of the Western Region Football League on Saturday.
Leading by nine points at the final change at Soldiers Reserve, the Tigers banged home four goals to two in the last quarter to seal a hard-fought win and consolidate third spot on the ladder.
Chris Molivas was best-on for the Tigers with six goals, while Andrew Panayi and Matt Dean, both fresh from their inter-league glory, continued their sizzling form.
The Tigers will need to take it up another notch when they meet local rival and ladder leader Hoppers Crossing in one of the most anticipated matches of the season so far at Hogans Road Reserve on Saturday.
Hoppers Crossing moved two games clear on Saturday with a comfortable 76-point win over Albion at JR Parsons Reserve.
Wyndhamvale could not repeat its heroics of a round prior as they were soundly beaten by Altona in a 61-point drubbing.
In division 2, Manor Lakes lost a low-scoring encounter to Albanvale by 28 points at Howqua Reserve. The Storm led for most of the day, but Albanvale charged home with a four-goal-to-zip last quarter.
It leaves the Storm three games and a hefty wad of percentage outside the top four and finals hopes are fading by the week.
In division 3, Tarneit slipped up for the first time this season, losing to Parkside by 31 points.
The Titans are now clinging to top spot on percentage with a tricky road clash with Braybrook to encounter on Saturday.
Wyndham Suns picked up the first win under new coach Brett Cook, downing Braybrook by five goals at Goddard Street Reserve.
The Suns were superbly led by midfielder Hayden Iannacone and key position player Rhys Bucktin.
Sanctuary Lakes kicked six goals in the last quarter to win by 29 points over North Sunshine in a high-scoring affair at Dempster Park.
