Tara Murray
An explosive first quarter put Wyndhamvale on the path to a semi final berth in the Western Football League division 2 competition on Saturday.
For the second time in three weeks, the Falcons jumped out of the blocks against Albanvale.
The first time, they kicked 10 goals to one in the first quarter.
On Saturday, both teams’ seasons were on the line in the elimination final.
The Falcons kicked nine goals to nil in the first quarter to take a 58 point lead into quarter time.
That set the game up, with the Falcons winning, 20.24 (144)-1.3 (9).
Falcons co-coach Rob May said it was a really good win for the side.
“We sort of knew that we had to set the tone early like we did two weeks ago,” he said. “To get them on the back foot, it was good.
“Probably the only downside was our goal kicking, it wasn’t totally on. “Everything else we asked for, they certainly gave it to us in spades.”
May said they had control of the contest throughout after setting it up. He said the start made the Cobras make decisions they wouldn’t usually make.
He said they were really happy to keep them to just one goal.
“We mentioned it after the game,” he said. “To keep a side to one goal regardless whether it’s easy or not, is a fair effort.
“Our backline was exceptional all day. That is also in turn with our forwards and mids putting on the pressure up the field to make sure that it doesn’t come in easy.”
Daniel Burns kicked four goals for the Falcons, while Jack Tessari kicked three.
May said Kai Capovilla did a really good job in shutting down Reece Fields, their midfield was really good as well.
He said it was pretty much a good team effort.
The Falcons now face Newport in a knockout semi final this week.
May said they were going to go down and watch the elimination final between the Suns and Newport.
Meanwhile, May and co-coach Jason Parker have decided not to continue on next season.
The club announced it during the week and said it had already appointed a senior coach for next season.
May said they felt it was time to set away.
“We gave them that news last year, start of November last year,” he said. “We won’t go on.
“It was like a two year plan. We sort of ummed and ahhed a little bit, but we feel to move forward with a new coaching will be beneficial for the club.”
In division 1, Werribee Districts locked up top spot with victory against Caroline Springs.
The Tigers will have a bye in the first week of finals.
Hoppers Crossing finished the regular season with a big win against Point Cook. It will face Altona in an elimination final.
