WRFL scores: Werribee Districts hammer Hoppers Crossing in Division 1

Young gun Lachlan Rainbow restricted the WRFL’s most prolific forward as the Tigers booted 10 unanswered goals after halftime.

Lachlan Rainbowis enjoying a superb season for Werribee Districts. Picture: Local Legends Photography

Werribee Districts and Hoppers Crossing have staged several engrossing clashes in the Western Region Football League in recent years.

Earlier this season, the Warriors escaped with a five-point victory over their rivals.

Another tight, tense battle was expected on Saturday.

Daniel Nielson booted four goals. Picture: Local Legends Photography

But the Tigers delivered an awe-inspiring display to reclaim top position on the ladder.

The home side led by 11 points at the main break before booting 10 unanswered goals in a devastating second-half onslaught to power to a thumping 68-point win, 14.12 (96) to 3.10 (28).

With pair entering the match with 7-2 win-loss records, Werribee Districts coach Chris Gilham had no hesitation in heaping praise on his side.

“It’s probably one of the best all-round performances we’ve had since I’ve been there (2017),” Gilham said.

“Obviously Hoppers are a close team, they beat us earlier in the year and we’ve always had close matches against them.

“To keep a side like that goalless in the second half was a very good effort.”

Lachlan Rainbow continued his red-hot form in defence, earning best-afield honours.

The 22-year-old attacking backman kept the WRFL’s most prolific forward, Brenton Payne, to one major as he was named in the best for the seventh time in 10 outings.

“It wasn’t just his negative work, his ability to intercept and kick-start our offence was why his game was so strong. He’s had a super year for us,” Gilham said.

“He’s a bloke we can play at either end. Sometimes we play him forward, sometimes we play him back, depending on match-ups and who we’re playing.

“His gone from strength to strength and is an A-grader now.

“He’s gone from a big-bodied deep forward to someone who can play anywhere.”

Rainbow was ably supported by Lee Johnston and the emerging Gavin Donnon in the defensive half, while big man Ben McMahon again impressed.

Andrew Panayi (five goals), Daniel Nielson (four) and Trent Lee (three) starred up forward.

Panayi (27 goals) and Neilson (23) sit second and fourth respectively on the competition’s goalkicking charts.

While the new-look Tigers are flying, a testing three-week stretch awaits against the remaining sides in the top five – Spotswood (fifth), Altona (second) and Deer Park (fourth).

“We know Spotty are much improved,” Gilham said.

“They’ve taken two big scalps (Deer Park and Altona) the last two weeks, so we know they’re going to be super hard to beat.

“We’ve then got a road trip to Altona and then Deer Park at Deer Park, and not many leave there with a win.

“We’ve got a really tough, challenging three-week period ahead, but we’re really looking forward to it. If we win games, we control where we end up. We don’t have to worry about anyone else winning or losing. We’ll control where we end up if we’re good enough.”