WYNDHAM Vale consolidated its position in the top three of Western Region Football League division 2 with a hard-fought five-point win over West Footscray on Saturday.
The Falcons, who led for most of the day, were almost overrun by the Roosters, who hit the front with 90 seconds to go.
It was left to the experienced Daniel Bunworth to save the day.
He produced a game-saving tackle at one end of the ground before kicking the match-winner at the other.
Coach Luke Dennerley said he was pleased to get the four points but cautioned that his young side had a long way to go.
“To be honest, a lot of credit has to go to West Footscray. They seemed to have the answers for most of the day. We just kept at it in trying conditions and were lucky to get away with a win.”
Michael Lubke’s return from injury has added another dimension to the Falcons’ forward line. He kicked six at the weekend, to take his tally in just two games to 13.
Dennerley also praised the efforts of Aaron Fleming and the Klein-Breteler brothers.
“Chris [Klein-Breteler’s] attack on the footy and physicality is unmatched and Fleming just accumulated the footy and worked really hard.”
Roosters coach Rohan McKenzie said he was disappointed but encouraged by his players’ efforts.
“I thought we deserved to win. It’s disappointing but I’m really proud. They’re a top-three side and we gave it a fairly good crack. It showed the boys we can match the top sides.”
Lindon Harris kicked four goals for the Roosters, with Mark Speakman, Jay Aguila and Alan Jeffries named among the best.
West Footscray faces Laverton next week and Wyndhamvale has the bye.
