Werribee 19. 14 128
North Ballarat 11. 7 73
Goal Kickers: J. Podsiadly 6, B. Murphy 3, J. Furfaro 2, L. Gardiner 2, T. Henderson, K. McGuiness, J. Barham, R. Castello, W. Twomey, D. McCormack
Best Players: R. Castello, T. Henderson, L. Gardiner, J. Young, W. Richardson, S. Wormald
Reserves
North Ballarat 10. 10. 70
Werribee 7. 3. 45
Goal Kickers: S. Potter 2, B. Rogers 2, J. Silver, J. Eddy, J. McInneny
Best Players: R. Closter, S. Potter, T. Collins, J. Bond, J. Johnson, G. Coleman
TIGERS KEEP TOP FOUR HOPES ALIVE
By Tristan Foenander
The Werribee Tigers have kept their hopes of a top four finish alive after a comprehensive victory against North Ballarat on Saturday.
After gaining the ascendancy early on, the Tigers were never headed and went on to record an impressive 55-point win, 19.14. 128 to 11.7.73.
Werribee began the game strongly and played hard-running and uncompromising football. Things looked ominous for North Ballarat as the Tigers raced out to a 42-point half time lead.
North Ballarat rallied strongly in the third quarter, kicking five goals in six minutes to find themselves within four goals of the lead. But Werribee stemmed the tide and re-established a seven goal advantage at the final break.
Coach Simon Atkins let loose on his midfield players at the three quarter time huddle, slamming them for a lack of concentration which allowed North Ballarat back into the game. His words didn't go unheard, as his team booted five goals to three in the final term to run out comfortable victors.
Despite the short lapse of concentration in the third quarter, Atkins could take many positives out of the game, particularly the fact that his playing group has held together so strongly given that injuries have ravaged both the Tigers' and Western Bulldogs' lists.
The Tigers have now won three games on the trot and continue their surge into the finals.
Teghan Henderson led the way for the Tigers, accumulating 23 possessions and effecting four tackles. Robbie Castello continued his recent good form with a solid display, while ruck man Liam Gardiner worked hard around the ground and bobbed up with two goals in an effort that would please his coach.
Powerful forward James Podsiadly appeared to be hampered by a calf injury, but still proved a handful for the North Ballarat defenders, booting six goals.
The Tigers face the high-flying Geelong side next week in a clash that will decide their top four fate, but will need another strong victory if they are to claim fourth place after Williamstown trounced Tasmania.
The reserves fought valiantly, but went down to North Ballarat, 10.10.70 to 7.3.45.
North Ballarat 3.2 3.3 8.5 11.7 (73)
Werribee 5.4 9.9 14.11 19.14 (128)
BEST:
Werribee: Castello Henderson Gardiner Young Richardson Wormald
GOALS:
Werribee: Podsiadly 6 Murphy 3 Furfaro 2 Gardiner 2 Twomey McGuiness Henderson Barham Castello McCormack
Last Modified on 22/02/2008 11:16