WRFL scores: North Sunshine celebrates first win in 1078 days

The WRFL battler broke a long drought and secured Ange Messina his first win as coach in a tense Division 3 contest away from home.

North Sunshine celebrates its first WRFL senior win in almost three years. Picture: North Sunshine FC

North Sunshine secured its first senior victory in almost three years on Saturday as it survived a last-quarter rally in the Western Region Football League.

The Roadrunners prevailed by a solitary point after a tense last quarter against Laverton, prevailing 7.15 (57) to 8.8 (56).

The visitors booted the opening three goals of the match and led by 20 points at halftime and by 16 points at three-quarter-time.

The stubborn Magpies almost snatched the four points after kicking four goals to one in the final half-hour, but North Sunshine held firm to win its first match since May 26, 2018 – 1078 days earlier.

First-year Roadrunners coach Ange Messina said relief was his overwhelming emotion.

“I didn’t even realise the siren had gone and we’d won the game. I was too busy yelling out directions and trying to get us to hold on to the ball,” Messina said.

“In the rooms was just fantastic. It was great to see the boys get reward for the work they’d been putting in.

“We’ve got a fantastic committee as well and it was great to see them with smiles on their faces at the end of the day.

“There’s been some really long-suffering, loyal supporters and just to see them at the end of the game … they just patted you on the back and smiled. They couldn’t talk. It was amazing.”

North Sunshine coach Ange Messina calls the shots. Picture: North Sunshine FC

Messina said his side would have been “stiff to lose” after having control of the contest for most of the afternoon but credited Laverton for its fightback.

Ali Edin Ben Mabrouk (two goals), Cameron Howitt, Jack Cahill and Thomas Rendle starred for the winners.

North Sunshine was soundly beaten by Albanvale, Braybrook and Tarneit in the opening three rounds, but Messina said it had been competitive at stages.

He said the club needed to be patient, with only three players – Howitt, Jonathon Despott and Tom Murray – remaining from the 2019 team.

“We’ve got 17 kids under 22 playing in our seniors,” Messina said.

“They’ve come straight from under-19 footy, had a year off with COVID, and come straight into a senior system.”

Messina said he had been “blown away” by his players’ dedication despite a challenging start to 2021.

He said training numbers had remained strong, with 30-40 players attending sessions.

“Coming off rounds 1 and 2, it could have gone either way with a couple of big losses,” Messina said.

“Everyone’s working really hard and is super-committed.

“The great thing is, because we are a young group, they’re actually forming really good friendships off the field as well. You can now see that’s beginning to flow on to the footy field.”

Messina said he was focused on laying a foundation for a positive future for the Roadrunners.

“For me, it’s about implementing a game style and plan that I think can have us successful in three or four years’ time when these kids are 23, 24 and have 60, 70 games under their belts,” he said.

“We want to win as many games as we can, but it’s really about setting footy habits.”

North Sunshine will have a bye this weekend before tackling Sunshine Heights on May 22.