The Werribee Tigers woes continued going down to Box Hill Hawks by 40 points at Avalon Airport Oval on Saturday night as Ben Carbonaro reports.
The Tigers were looking to win their first home game for 2012 against a Hawks team that had not won at Chirnside Park for 20 years.
Box Hill stormed out of the blocks as they scored five goals to one during the first quarter. The Tigers were not able to stop the Hawks fast ball movement through the midfield.
The Hawks continued on their way as they stepped up their work rate and were particularly damaging at stoppages. Werribee turned the ball over numerous times. Despite their best efforts, they could only manage one goal to Box Hill’s five and trailed by 48-points at half-time.
The ball use and general play from the Tigers significantly improved in the second half. They were able to use the corridor and get the ball forward quickly, but some strong defending from the Hawks made scoring tough for Werribee. Down the other end, the Tigers back six featuring Cameron Pedersen were able to restrict Box Hill’s forwards from dominating. Just four goals were scored between the two teams for the third quarter, but Box Hill led by 47 at the final break.
Werribee won the last quarter as they kicked three goals to two, but their poor first half cost them with Box Hill enjoying a comfortable 40-point victory.
Tigers coach Scott West was disappointed with another inconsistent performance from his team during the first half.
“We didn’t use the footy as well as would have liked to. We gave them some easy goals, especially early in the game and we weren’t able to get on the scoreboard.”
“Second half I thought we were terrific, I thought we dominated in the possessions but again they were able to kick easy goals and when that happens, it can hurt you.”
North Melbourne’s Lachlan Hansen, usually a defender, kicked four goals to top the goal kicker’s list for Werribee and Cameron Pedersen was named best for his efforts filling gaps everywhere especially in defence.
West was pleased with Hansen’s game, who has had an injury interrupted start to the season.
“It was terrific, he obviously hasn’t played a lot of footy over the pre-season.
"It’s always nice to have a multiple goal kicker.”
Tom Schneider booted three goals in a best on ground performance for the Hawks.
Werribee have a bye this week, but they face Tasmanian State League (TSL) team Burnie at Etihad Stadium on Saturday at 11am before hosting Geelong under lights on Friday 20th April. Box Hill faces a big round 4 test, facing defending premiers Port Melbourne at home on Sunday.
Photo Credit: Jenny Owens
Last Modified on 11/04/2012 08:35