SUNSHINE has been left rueing a slow first half after it went down to Hoppers Crossing by 17 points in the Western Region Football League division 1 on Saturday.
The Kangaroos let the Warriors get out to a 50-point lead just after half-time, but for the second time in as many weeks, the Warriors let their opponents back in the game.
In the end, time beat the Kangaroos and the Warriors scraped past in a hard-fought game.
Click on the image below for our gallery of the big clash.
Warriors captain Brad Murphy said they would look at addressing their third-term performances.
The previous week, the Warriors were leading by 32 points at half-time, only to go into the final term 20 points down.
“It was a hard-fought win [last Saturday] and the scoreboard reflects that. We were 50 points up in the third term and let them back into the game.
“They lifted their work rate and with the breeze going their way in the third term, they got on a roll.”
Murphy said the side backed itself to win in any situation. “We should have shut the door on them early in the third term, but we didn’t. We somehow can find a way to win and it’s that self-belief that got us across the line.”
Murphy praised off-season recruit Kade Carey who kicked six goals.
“Kade was brilliant and hard to stop. He’s a massive unit and you just have to get the ball to him and he marks everything.”
Brent Sheean, Brydon Coles and Brad Murphy were named the best for the Warriors.
Kangaroos coach Brett Jacobs said he was becoming increasingly frustrated with his side’s lack of consistency over four quarters.
“It seems to be a common denominator in our losses. Turnovers and a lack of effort are costing us and I’m starting to lose patience with the same sort of thing each week.
“We had our opportunities but we weren’t as committed in the first half.
“We let ourselves down today and we need to start games better.”
Patrick Wiggins and Cory Connor each kicked three goals for the Kangaroos with Jake Allan and Jake Trevaskis named among the best.
The win moves the Warriors into equal second, ahead of a clash with top side Spotswood.
The Kangaroos take on Port Melbourne.
