ALTONA’S class was too much for Albion, with the Vikings running out seven-goal winners in the Western Region Football League division1 on Saturday.
In a match closer than the scoreboard showed, Albion came within a couple of goals before Altona steadied and prevailed.
Cats coach Mark Greenshields said the game was reasonably competitive.
“Altona, to their credit, had a really even spread and they ran out the game really well.
“We weren’t able to bridge the gap and they always had a two-three goal lead on us.”
Click on the image below for our gallery of the big clash.
Greenshields was disappointed the Cats had let the Vikings play the way they wanted.
“Going into the game we were confident that we’d be really competitive and it was disappointing that it wasn’t closer in the end.”
Jason Butina kicked four goals for the Cats, with Aaron Tymms and Kym Taylor in the midfield among the
best.
Vikings coach Anthony Eames said he was surprised by the Cats’ vigour.
“The scoreboard wasn’t reflective of the contest. The young guys for us really had a crack.
“They are a better side than a team which has only won a couple of matches.”
Eames said his team was pleased to get the win, the first at JR Parsons Reserve in 20 years.
“It was one of those contests where they would control the game for 10minutes before we would kick late goals and win each quarter by a couple of goals.
“It was a pretty good effort.”
Midfielder Travis Lunardi led the way in the midfield and up forward, kicking four goals.
Reece Miles, David Barnaby and Samuel Mason were also among the best.
The Cats face Sunshine Heights next week, a game Greenshields believes will be tough.
“We can’t be complacent against them. It will be a physical contest.”
The Vikings, who are second on the ladder, face Deer Park, who, according to Eames, is a finals contender.
“This is a big game for us and we are back on our home ground, which will suit us.”
