Sunday Spotlight: Deer Park, Mitcham and Hadfield handed rare losses as Rye’s premiership bid receives a boost

A BOOST to Rye’s premiership chances, rare losses for Hadfield, Deer Park and Mitcham and an emotion-charged memorial match feature in this week’s Sunday Spotlight.

WRFL Football: Werribee Districts V Altona. No 34 Matthew Dean for Werribee D. Picture: David Smith

This week’s Sunday Spotlight examines three rare losses for Eastern Football League, Western Region Football League and Essendon District Football League favourites, along with a boost to Rye’s premiership hopes in 2015.

WRFL:TIGERS HAMMER DEER PARK

A week after Hoppers Crossing seemingly announced itself as Deer Park’s most likely premiership threat, Werribee Districts took over the mantle after handing the Lions their first defeat since 2013. The reigning premier last lost to Spotswood in the second semi-final of 2013 before being beaten comprehensively by Werribee Districts on Saturday. Wade Chapman’s side eased to a 55-point triumph, with Shaun Mcguinness and Matt Dean among the better players.

EFL: SOUTH BELGRAVE IN A BOILOVER

Few people gave South Belgrave much hope of ending Mitcham’s unbeaten Eastern Football League campaign. The mid-table Saints went down by 35 points when the sides met earlier in the season, suggesting a tough afternoon was likely when the Tigers visited South Belgrave Reserve. The home side powered away in the second half to score a famous 15.13 (103) to 9.9 (63) win and boost its finals chances. Jesse Smith and Sam Brown were impressive for the victors.

EDFL: HADFIELD’S RUN ENDS

As they say in the classics, all good things must come to an end. That was the case for Hadfield’s unbeaten Essendon District Football League campaign, which ended against Roxburgh Park. Jayden Walker slotted five goals for the Magpies as they soared to a 13.4 (82) to 7.14 (56) triumph. Hadfield was not without its chances, finishing with four more scoring shots in a 26-point loss. The Hawks remain three games clear at the top of Division 2.

Ben Holmes has returned to the field for Rye. Picture: Chris Eastman.

NFL: LEAGUE MEDALLIST RETURNS

Rye’s premiership aspirations have been given a shot in the arm after the return of dual Nepean League medallist Ben Holmes. Holmes retired at the end of 2014 to focus on completing the Hawaiian Ironman, but returned to the field in the Demons’ 32-point win over Red Hill on Saturday. Holmes finished with three goals in his comeback match.

BFL: CLUBS PAY EMOTIONAL TRIBUTE

Sunbury and Redan joined forces to pay an emotional tribute to Albert and Maree Rizk, who were killed last year in the MH17 disaster. The clubs observed a minute’s silence before their

Sunbury and Redan do battle in a memorial match. Picture: Adam Elwood.

Ballarat Football League match, with James Rizk leading the Lions onto the field. Redan prevailed in the final minutes of an enthralling contest, getting home by four points.

One from left field: Former Gold Coast defender Joel Wilkinson has quit Northern Blues, retiring from football to chase a career in gridiron.