St Albans produced a remarkable last quarter comeback to overrun Wyndhamvale by eight points and keep its Western Region Football League division 1 season alive.
The Saints could not have been in a more vulnerable position with one win to date in a disappointing season and trailing the second-last Falcons by 35 points at three-quarter time.
Somehow the Saints found a way, piling on eight goals to one in the last quarter.
Six goals to Michael Spooner and stand-out performances from Marc Dawson and Bekim Memedi meant the Saints snapped a troublesome four-game losing streak and improve to 2-6 on the season.
Albion suffered a major setback, losing to Hoppers Crossing by 64 points at Hogans Road Reserve.
The Cats had been in fine form, winning their previous three matches, but came crashing back down to earth with a thud.
James Taylor was the Cats lone multiple goalkicker with two goals, while Todd Finco was the side’s best. Albion goes into the Queen’s Birthday break with a 4-4 record.
Deer Park moved to the top of the ladder with an 87-point drubbing of winless Caroline Springs at Town Centre Oval.
The Lions had the game virtually in the bag at quarter-time after a seven-goal-to-one opening term.
Bags of goals from James Condos (nine), Kwame McHarg (six) and Jase Perkins (four) underlined the Lions’ strength in attack.
Deer Park is one of two sides, along with Spotswood, with a 7-1 record, but take over top spot on percentage.
In division 2, Albanvale has improved to 3-3 and moved two games clear in the top four, following a runaway 38-point win over West Footscray at Shorten Reserve.
The Cobras made a fast start, kicking six goals to nil in the opening term, but Wests made them earn the four points.
Ibrahim Atik was best-on-ground for the Cobras, while Thomas Jehle kicked five goals.
In division 3, Sunshine Heights were the big movers of the weekend, cruising to a 34-point win over Tarneit at Ainsworth Reserve. The Heights are half a game clear in the top four.
North Sunshine had a disappointing draw against Sanctuary Lakes. The Roadrunners kicked three last-quarter goals and kept the Sharks scoreless to claim a share of the points.
Lance Jenkinson
