WRFL: Point Cook Centrals remain perfect after headcount against Albion

Point Cook Centrals remains undefeated in the WRFL but only just after a final quarter headcount proved pivotal in an eight-point win over Albion. Here’s what happened.

Point Cook Centrals remains perfect in 2022 but only just.

The Sharks maintained their unbeaten WRFL Division 2 record on Saturday after holding on for an 8.18 (66) to 8.10 (58) win over Albion in a game full of drama.

The game’s biggest moment came in the last quarter when Point Cook Centrals called for a headcount as they believed an Albion player who had been yellow carded was replaced.

The WRFL confirmed on Monday morning this was the case and the Cats had 18 players on the field at the time of the count.

Albion, who were leading the game at the time of the incident, had all of its points scored in the fourth quarter before the count removed.

Sharks coach Dean Chambers said his side called for a headcount after noticing co-captain Nathan Williams had an opponent when he was playing as a spare.

“We planned to have him as a loose man after the Albion player was sent off and it turned out he kept having an opponent,” Chambers said.

“So that’s when we got him to ask the question of the umpires and that’s when the decision was made.

“We’re just pleased to have come away with the four points.”

Daniel Mutton in action for Point Cook Centrals. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Williams was named the best player on the ground for the Sharks having played predominantly across the wing while also hitting the scoreboard with two goals.

Meanwhile, Matt Wright was influential across halfback providing plenty of drive forward for the Sharks out of defence.

Matt Turner, Mitch Palma, Cale Du Plessis and Daniel Strnak were also among the visitors best.

“Nathan is a very smart footballer and has had a tremendous impact after coming across from Hoppers Crossing,” Chambers said.

“The close result will be a good learning curve for us going forward because games are going to get a lot tighter as finals approach. We were really flat in the first quarter but fortunately we were able to turn it around.

“We went pretty hard at training during the week off and that might have backfired on Saturday but we were lucky it didn’t.”

Lachlan Grant finished with two goals. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Chambers was full of praise for an Albion side who now holds the two smallest losing margins against the Sharks this season.

“They always play their ground well, that’s one thing you have to expect when you go there,” he said.

“It was a big day for them as they were celebrating their 2010 senior and reserves premierships — those guys were like a 23rd man.

“I thought they had some really impressive players including Cody Bench in defence.

“Full credit to them for the way they brought a contested style and made us fight for absolutely everything.”

Chris Tomazos, Jacob Tonkinson and Justin Zahra all impressed for the home side.

Point Cook Centrals will now turn its attention to Newport while Albion faces a huge clash against Wyndhamvale as both sides aim to keep their finals hopes alive.