The Werribee Tigers rebounded from consecutive losses with a hard fought 11-point win over Geelong at Avalon Airport Oval last Sunday as Ben Carbonaro reports.
After just falling short against premiership favourite Port Melbourne in the previous game, the Tigers were looking to win at home against a Cats team buoyed by a one-point win against Box Hill.
The home team got off to a strong start kicking four goals to two as Geelong buckled under intense pressure from Werribee’s strong back six led by Robbie Tarrant, who matched up on Tom Hawkins. The Tigers held a seven-point lead at quarter time.
Werribee continued to play a determined and team-oriented style of football in the second term that allowed them to kick four goals to three. Although the Cats were able to get the ball moving quickly, any errors they made were quickly pounced on. The home team went into the main break with a 13-point lead.
Geelong showed significant improvement during the third quarter and caused several costly turnovers from Werribee which allowed them to kick some much needed goals. They trailed by 14 points at the final break and were no doubt hoping a strong final quarter would get them their second win of 2011.
After trailing by four goals during the third, the Cats stepped up their attack on the football and quickly propelled the ball forward. Geelong snatched the lead late in the quarter but two late goals to Werribee sealed the win.
Tigers coach Paul Satterley was happy to be back on track with a win.
“Just to be able to consolidate in the top eight and be challenged the way we were, I thought the win was outstanding,” he said.
“I just thought our mental state; just to tough it out (when) they had the momentum in the last quarter and grind it out (was impressive).”
North Melbourne’s Ben Warren was best for Werribee as he booted six goals after being overshadowed by fellow Kangaroo Ben McKinley for much of this season.
Satterley had nothing but praise for Warren, who has been working hard as a hit-up forward in recent weeks.
“He was huge; it was his best game all year. Some of his contested marking was first class,” he said.
Gavin Urquhart (24 disposals, 8 marks) played his best game for the year rebounding off half-back, Robbie Tarrant (21 disposals, 7 marks and 3 spoils) was also a standout for Werribee’s defence and Will Martiniello (35 disposals) was a ball magnet in the middle.
Steven Motlop, Mitchell Brown, Cameron Mooney and rookie George Burbury all kicked two goals for the Cats, while midfielder Allen Christensen (30 disposals) was best for the Cats.
Werribee have a bye this weekend before they host the 12th place Coburg Tigers on Sunday June 26, whilst Geelong host third placed Northern Bullants.
Last Modified on 16/06/2011 15:44