Tara Murray
Albion fell just short in the top of the table clash in the Western Region Football League division 2 on Saturday.
Facing Parkside, which was coming off its first loss of the season, the Cats had a good opportunity to inflict some more pain on the Magpies.
The first quarter not much separated the two teams on the scoreboard, before the Magpies kicked six goals to one in the second quarter to open up a 39 point lead at the main break.
The Cats got on top of the physical contest in the third quarter with four goals to bring the margin back to a gettable 22 points at the last break.
The Magpies managed to stem the tide in the final quarter, to hold on to win, 9.11 (65)-6.12 (48).
The win has the Magpies three games clear of the Cats at the top of the ladder with four rounds remaining.
The Cats remain in second spot, but are now just percentage ahead of Sunshine.
The Kangaroos, who have started to find form in recent weeks, accounted for North Footscray on Saturday.
It was the Devils that started the better of the two sides, leading by 10 points at the first break.
Seven goals in the second quarter got the lead for the Kangaroos heading into the break.
The second half was all the Kangaroos, as they won 16.18 (114)-10.7 (67).
Charly Williams continued his good form with six goals and was named best on ground. Murray Boyd and Kurtis Barnard were among the other standouts.
In the other division 2 match, Newport got the win against Wyndhamvale to move into the top four.
Braybrook had the bye.
In division 3, the Suns got some revenge against Sunshine Heights.
The Dragons knocked the Suns off earlier in the season, the Suns only loss to date.
The Dragons struggled early in front of goal kicking five points for the opening quarter. The Suns at the other end were making the most of their opportunities.
Not much separated the teams at three quarter time, with the Suns leading by 15 points despite having five less scoring shots.
Five goals to two in the final quarter sealed the win for the Suns, 15.5 (95)-8.14 (62).
The Dragons now sit two games behind Albanvale in the race for second spot and the double chance.
On Saturday the Cobras were too strong for Laverton.
The Cobras were never needed, with the Magpies goal less in the first half. Both teams missed their opportunities, with the Cobras winning 18.14 (122)-1.10 (16).
Reece Field kicked seven goals in the win.
West Footscray beat North Sunshine in the other game, 22.17 (149)-6.10 (46).
In division 1, Caroline Springs pushed ladder leaders Werribee Districts but weren’t able to come away with the points.
The Lakers started well and led by 22 points at the first break. The Tigers reduced that margin the next two quarters and led by two points at the last break.
A five goal to two final term sealed the 12.14 (86)-10.5 (65) win for the Tigers
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