Tigers claw to victory
By Domenic Favata
The Werribee Tigers have won their third game of year by defeating the Casey Scorpions by five points at Casey Fields.
It was a frantic finish to the game with a late 50m penalty handing the Scorpions a goal and a chance to snatch the match from Werribee who had fought back to hit the front in the last quarter. The Tigers managed to hold on amidst all the hysteria.
The Scorpions got off to a flying start, taking advantage of the breeze, kicking five goals to one in the opening quarter.
In what was a strange old game, Werribee were dominant for most of the game but a blazing seven goal to one start saw the Tigers play catch-up for most of the game.
After quarter time the breeze died down considerably, but that did little to affect the Scorpions who kicked the first two goals of the quarter to open up a 36 point lead midway through the quarter. This sparked the Tigers into action who mounted a fightback, kicking three goals in a row through Wood, Warren and Shinners to go into half-time only three goals down.
The third began with a gusty breeze and pouring rain, and ended in bright sunshine and barely any wind at all. The Tigers dominated the quarter but only managed one goal. The margin was reduced to just eight points at the last break.
The Tigers got off to a good start in the final quarter thanks to Ben Warren’s second goal, with the match becoming quite tense in the latter stages. A quick snap by Sam Martyn ended a little stalemate early in the quarter, with Werribee hitting the lead for the first time of the match, holding on from then on to secure a famous come from behind victory.
Coach John Lamont was pleased his side’s effort to win away from home, highlighting the midfield “workrate” as critical to the result.
“We were forced to play catch up footy and we just keep clawing away,” he said.
“At three-quarter time, I spoke about the feel for the game, to understand the game, and they responded.”
“I’m over the moon, elated to get the four points. We all know how important it is, being an away game.”
Lamont highlighted the hard-running of several key players, with Jesse Crichton (18 disposals, 6 handball receives), Sam Martyn (19 disposals) and Tom Gribble (27 disposals, 8 handball receives) all praised by the coach.
Up forward Mason Wood was lively with three goals and was well supported by Ben Warren (2), while Daniel Currie was super in the ruck amassing 33 hitouts.
Werribee hit the bye next week with three wins and two losses from their first five games, before travelling to Trevor Barker Oval to tackle the Zebras on the 17th of May.
Seniors
Werribee 1.1, 4.3, 5.8, 8.10. 58
Casey 5.1, 7.3, 7*.4, 8.5. 53
Goals: Wood 3, Warren 2, Sherlock, Shinners, Martyn
Best: M. Sodomaco, J. Crichton, K. Turner, B. Warren, M. Wood, S. Wright
In the Development league, Werribee had their second win in a row defeating Casey by 55 points.
The match began in windy and wet conditions, but as the sunshine emerged the Tigers took a strangle hold on the contest, to record a very impressive away victory.
Werribee got off to a flying start, utilising the breeze effectively by piling on 6 goals to zip.
The second quarter was most impressive, where the Tigers were able to curtail the Scorpion’s influence with the breeze, restricting them to just one goal.
The Scorpions hit back in the second half and produced a much more competitive effort, but ultimately were made to pay for their woeful first half. The Tigers kicked eight goals to six in the second half.
Werribee dominated in every statistical area, amassing a massive 431 possessions to Casey’s 243, while also making 53 more tackles.
Jason Robinson was damaging with 28 disposals and four goals, while Billy Iles was lively with 19 disposals and three goals.
Also pressing for senior selection were Jobi Harper (33 disposals) and Jackson Davis (26) who were prominent in midfield.
Development
Werribee 6.3, 7.3, 12.8, 15.9. 99
Casey 0.0, 1.2, 2.2, 7.2. 44
Goals- Robinson 4, Iles 3, Stretton, Davis, Laracy, Wales, Hussey, Barnes, Nick Maric, Brown
Best : G. Cameron, J. Davis, J. Harper, R. Norris, J. Robinson, B. Iles
Last Modified on 05/05/2014 15:36