Albion was made to fight until the dying minutes to crack a spirited Caroline Springs by 16 points in the Western Region Football League division 1 at JR Parsons Reserve on Saturday.
The Cats were desperate to atone for their devastating loss to Werribee Districts a week prior and came out with their claws bared in a six-goal-to-two opening term.
If the Cats thought the winless Caroline Springs would roll over, they were in for a shock. The Lakers, led by three-goal star Brian Lake, nibbled away at the deficit, but Albion proved too strong in the end.
Todd Finco (four goals), Josh Bench, Pat Savage and Jason Butina came to the fore for the victorious Cats.
Albion is just a win and percentage out of the top five ahead of a huge game against Sunshine Kangaroos at Kinder Smith Reserve on Saturday, while Caroline Springs will be out to break the duck when it hosts second-last Wyndhamvale at Town Centre Oval.
Front-runner Deer Park had to come from 16 points down at half-time to beat Altona by 18 points at JK Grant Reserve.
Chris Stewart was best afield in the ruck for the Lions, while James Condos and Jase Perkins kicked four goals apiece.
The Lions will meet Spotswood in a first-versus-second blockbuster at John McLeod Oval on Saturday.
Sunshine Kangaroos were ruing the one that got away against Spotswood. The Roos led by 26 points at three-quarter time, but coughed up six goals to one in the last term to lose by nine points.
St Albans’ miserable season continued with a 46-point loss to Hoppers Crossing at Kings Park Reserve. The Saints remain in third-last spot on the ladder.
In division 2, Albanvale proved no match for premiership contenders North Footscray, losing by 94 points. The Cobras were blown away in the third term, conceding seven goals to one.
In division 3, North Sunshine has kept its place in the top four – but only just.
The Roadrunners escaped from Laverton with a too-close-for-comfort three-point win.
Sunshine Heights strolled to a 75-point win over Sanctuary Lakes. The Heights remain half a game out of the top four ahead of a trip to the Wyndham Suns, who claimed a 41-point thrashing of ladder leader Parkside.
