Wyndhamvale has come up agonisingly short of a third victory in its first season in WRFL division 1.
The Falcons were looking to do the double over Spotswood, but went down by three points in a low-scoring affair at Wyndham Vale South Oval.
On a day when scoring goals proved difficult – 12 goals were divided evenly between the sides – it was Falcons star Daniel Bunworth who was the exception to the rule, booting four majors. There were no other multiple goalkickers in the grind-it-out game.
The Falcons remain on the bottom of the ladder, one game in arrears of second-last Sunshine Kangaroos. If they are to avoid the wooden spoon, the trip to Altona on Saturday looms as a must-win match.
Hoppers Crossing has sealed a top-two finish and a finals double chance, but made hard work of disposing of Sunshine by seven points at Kinder Smith Reserve.
The Warriors had a slow start and trailed by 15 points at quarter-time.
They kicked into gear with a four-goal second quarter, had the lead by three-quarter time after another four-goal term and held on in the last stanza.
Reece Miles was the standout for Hoppers, continuing on with his fine season, while Mitch Palma and Daniel Riosa booted two goals apiece on a day when defences got on top.
In division 2, Manor Lakes was the talk of the town on Saturday night after an upset 20-point win over finals contender Albanvale at Howqua Reserve.
The win gave the Storm something to smile about after losing 10 games straight.
Ben Doyle was superb for the Storm and Mark Dorricott kicked four goals.
In division 3, Wyndham Suns shook up the finals race with a stunning two-point win over Parkside at Henry Turner Reserve.
The Suns have moved up to fifth on the ladder and refuse to give up hope of featuring in September.
The Suns’ clash with Tarneit this Saturday at Goddard Street Reserve will take on extra significance with both clubs fighting for a spot in the finals. Tarneit’s form has been patchy, but they will go into the derby on the back of a comfortable 10-goal win over Laverton.
