SUNSHINE has been left rueing a slow first half as 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.
Kangaroos coach Brett Jacobs said he was becoming increasingly frustrated with his side’s lack of consistency over four quarters.
Click on the image below for a gallery on the big game.
“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.
Warriors captain Brad Murphy said they would look at addressing their third-term performances.
Last 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 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 role.”
He 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.
The win moves the Warriors into equal second, ahead of a clash with top side Spotswood. The Kangaroos take on Port Melbourne.
WRFL SCORES
Division 1
Albion 11.7 (73) lt Altona 18.9 (117); Deer Park 9.12 (66) lt Port Melbourne Colts 10.9(69); Hoppers Crossing 16.7 (103) d Sunshine 13.8 (86); North Footscray 16.13 (109) d Sunshine Heights 11.14 (80); Spotswood 6.15 (51) d St Albans 5.13 (43)
Next week
Altona vs Deer Park (Grant Reserve); Port Melbourne Colts vs Sunshine (J.L. Murphy Reserve); Sunshine Heights vs Albion (Ainsworth Reserve); Spotswood vs Hoppers Crossing (McLean Reserve Oval); St Albans vs North Footscray (Kings Park Reserve)
Division 2
Braybrook 6.12 (48) lt Albanvale 18.19 (127); Coburg Districts 10.16 (76) d Caroline Springs 4.2 (26); Laverton Magpies 4.3 (27) lt Parkside 19.15 (129); North Sunshine 1.2 (8) lt Glenorden 43.24 (282); Wyndhamvale 13.9 (87) d West Footscray 12.10 (82)
Next week
Caroline Springs vs Glenorden (Caroline Springs town centre); Coburg Districts vs North Sunshine (Cole Reserve); Albanvale vs Yarraville Seddon (Robert Bruce Oval); Parkside vs Braybook (Henry Turner Reserve); West Footscray vs Laverton (Shorten Reserve)
