A sunny but cold afternoon at Visy Park saw the third-placed Casey Scorpions travel to face the Northern Blues as Davis Harrigan reports.
The Scorpions ran rings around the Blues, running out to a 37 point half time lead, before sealing the win by 55 points.
The Blues’ biggest dilemma was finding a way through the Scorpions’ defence, with Jai Sheehan and the Tynan brothers, Josh and Luke, helping to hold down a back line which saw only six goals slip through. In the Scorpions attacking 50, Lucas Cook, Kelvin Lawrence and Captain Evan Panozza all found their radars in front of goal, Cook finishing with three majors, while Panozza and Lawrence each scored two. Northern players Luke Visser and Luke Mitchell showed they wouldn’t give up without a fight, Mitchell one of the best with two goals.
The Scorpions were able to tire the Blues through relentless handpassing and accurate kicking. Had some missed shots been kicked true, the margin would have widened significantly, some players not realising they had more time to kick the ball than they thought.
Coming up against a side which fielded Melbourne players Aaron Davey, Matthew Bate, Jake Spencer and Ricky Petterd was always going to be a tough ask. The Blues were not able to effectively clear at the stoppages. For the Scorpions, it was all too easy to drive the ball through the centre square, rarely missing the chest of a leading player. Mark Weekes and Jack Fitzpatrick provided excellent ball delivery through the middle, setting up the opportunities for Cook to hammer home some big kicks.
Post-match, Scorpions Coach Brett Lovett briefly addressed his players on the pressure and hardness at the ball that won them the game. It was a very upbeat atmosphere.
“The players were pretty fresh from two weeks off, our ability to be able to run the ball out of defence was excellent, our run did die off a bit in the last quarter, but that was to be expected.
“Our form is strong at the moment; the boys are beginning to understand each other’s game plans. To this point in time, we’re very happy to be 7-1, we’re really focused on next week’s match.”
After picking off the Blues, the Scorpions will host Collingwood in their annual Pink Ribbon Day at Casey Fields, while the Blues have a week off before trekking to Eureka Stadium to take on North Ballarat.
Photo: Morgan Hancock
Last Modified on 05/06/2012 14:55