By NICK GALEA - Under-19 Division 2
IN what was a tough yet really exciting contest, Werribee Districts defeated the Sanctuary Lakes Sharks at Soldiers Reserve after they blew the game open in the last quarter to win by 25 points.
Werribee Districts coach Bryan Woods said that belief was the key message going into the last term.
Despite Adam Elbob slotting the opening goal of the game, Werribee controlled the early stages of the first term as they were able to hit up targets through precise ball use.
Tall forwards Ryan Larsen and Brodie Cotter caused havoc for the Sanctuary Lakes backline as they helped Werribee to an 11-point lead at the first change.
Sanctuary Lakes turned the tables on Werribee in the second quarter as they kicked four goals to one, including the last two to take a six point lead going into half-time with Liam Banks slotting a monster goal on the run from outside 50 at the 10 minute mark to level the scores after some daring play through the corridor by Jordan Johnson-Boe.
Although only four goals were scored in the third quarter, both sides played a highly contested style of end to end footy.
Sharks ruckman Nicholas Sutton extended the margin to 12-points early in the third quarter after roving his own hit-out.
Brodie Cotter levelled the scores at the 17 minute mark, but a strong mark from Zaine Elbob in the goal square saw the Sharks up by six-points heading into the final quarter.
Werribee cranked up the pressure in the fourth quarter as they kicked four unanswered goals, two coming from Cotter to shellshock the Sharks.
Werribee won clearance after clearance to totally dominant the quarter and inside 50 count with Scott Woods and Andrew Montalto doing much of the heavy lifting.
After setting up a few goals earlier in the game, Matthew Golowka kicked the sealer to see Werribee notch their sixth win of the season.
Montalto and Cameron Keenan were standouts for Werribee while Scott Woods and Chanse Peixoto won their fair share of the ball.
Sutton competed strongly in the ruck and around the ground for the Sharks, Adam Elbob was physical at the contest and Zaine Elbob kicked two goals.
Round 18 will see Newport Power host Werribee Districts at Bryan Martyn Oval, whereas Sanctuary Lakes will look to bounce back against ladder-leaders Albion at Featherbrook Reserve
Last Modified on 02/08/2016 11:22