By Tara Murray
The Werribee Districts and Hoppers Crossing Anzac Day clash again lived up to expectations in the Western Football League division 1 competition.
One of the biggest days in local football, the local Wyndham derby had plenty on the line.
Both sides entered the match undefeated while it was the first time they were facing each other since last year’s grand final which was won by the Warriors.
It was the Tigers who were able to get some small revenge as they made it a third win for the season.
Tigers coach Chris Gilham said the day lived up to expectations with the Tigers winning 13.10 (88)-10.9 (69).
“It was a good day, a big day to be playing on Anzac Day,” he said. “To have a win at home in tough conditions was good.
“It rained consistently and made it a real scrap.”
Gilham said there’s always close games between the two sides and this one was no different.
He said both teams would see themselves as finals teams, so it was massive to come out on top.
“It could have gone either way,” he said. “We both had spurts in the game where we found momentum.
“We started strongly and then they had a good second quarter. It was similar in the second half.
“It was an arm wrestle all day. We were able to kick a couple late to get the win in a really even contest.”
Jack Fletcher kicked three goals for the Tigers, while Daniel Nielson and Harrison White kicked two goals each.
Gilham said the midfield really led the way with Dillion Vijio-Rainbow led from the front with Lucas Rocci and Seth Clayton having strong games.
Josh Mould and Ben McMahon both had good second halves while Fletcher was the prominent forward on the ground.
The win leaves the Tigers as the only undefeated side after three rounds.
Gilham said the gap between the sides this season had closed, with most matches being close.
“We’ve had a couple of good wins against some strong opposition like Yarraville Seddon and Hoppers Crossing who will be up there, is good,” he said.
“It sets us up for another strong season. It’s only early and we have some good players to come back into the team.
“We will keep improving as the season goes on. We only have four players over 26-27. We hope to be up there again.”
The Tigers face Caroline Springs in round four. The Lakers got their first win of the season on Saturday against Sunshine.
The last time the two teams played, Werribee Districts won in extra time in last year’s finals.
For the Warriors, Kane Hynes, Corey Muscat and Chase Guy were named their best.
In other matches, Point Cook beat Point Cook Centrals in the local derby.
In division 2, Wyndhamvale and the Suns both had wins, while Tarneit lost to Laverton.
