Tara Murray
Laverton overcame some challenges to come away with a strong win against Sunshine Heights in the Western Football League division 2 competition.
After a slow start to the season, the Magpies entered Saturday’s match on the back of two wins in a row.
A few more injuries did little to halt the Magpies as a strong start led to a 14.11 (95)-11.8 (74) win.
Magpies coach Tony Jofre said it had been a really good day for the club.
“It’s been a good start to the season,” he said. “It was a good performance as we were down a few players before the game, we had three or four major outs.
“It was a great day, it was our major sponsor round, TIV Round, and there were lots of kids and families out watching.”
It was the start that was the key for the Magpies in the win. Eight goals to two gave the side a 38 point lead at the first break.
Jofre said outside of playing against North Sunshine, they hadn’t been able to kick that many goals in a quarter in a very long time.
“It got competitive in the second half and it became a really good game,” he said. We had some injuries and were down on rotations but we’re pretty happy.”
Alex Grigg kicked four goals for the Magpies, while Joshua Cole had three goals.
Jofre said Christopher Sivanesan was best on ground, while Antony Pasqua, Shaun Evans and Grigg were the other standouts in a strong team performance.
The win was the Magpies third of the season. Last season they had four in total.
Jofre said things were coming along nicely.
“The team is gelling and we have a group of players that are still developing,” he said.
“The boys are starting to gel and playing how they are training.”
The Magpies now sit seventh on the ladder.
The Magpies now have a challenge on their hands if they’re to take their winning streak to four as they face Sunshine this Saturday.
The Kangaroos, who had a bye on the weekend, have been one of the two standout teams so far.
Jofre said they were hopeful those who finished the game on the bench on the weekend would be fit for the game.
“This will be a test of character to stay positive,” he said. “We know what sort of category they are in.”
In other matches, West Footscray had a massive win against North Sunshine, winning 32.21 (213)-1.7 (13).
Thomas Stelluto kicked 10 goals in the win, while Jaycob Doyle was named their best.
North Footscray got an important win against Albanvale, winning 13.17 (95)-10.6 (66).
Newport bounced back after its first loss, beating Tarneit, 32.22 (214)-1.4 (10), while Braybrook lost to Wyndhamvale, 16.13 (109)-10.5 (65).
In division 1, Parkside beat Point Cook Centrals while Altona and Spotswood both suffered losses.
