On a windy Saturday afternoon, the Casey Scorpions proved victorious over an ailing Box Hill Hawks, finishing with a strong 52 point win over the home side, as Bridget Hanson reports.
Depleted by injuries yet empowered by their most recent on-field success against Geelong; the boys from Casey proved that irrespective of their player combination, a distinguished sense of determination could prevail over any force. Whether it was the tall bodies of the Box Hill Hawks, or the unpredictable winds that swept the City Oval, the Scorpions attacked every challenge with athleticism and gusto.
Casey began the game in a favourable direction, finding dominance by utilising the wind direction and maintaining forward momentum. Yet, even with the governing forward pressure that AFL veteran and Ex – Melbourne Captain Brad Green commanded, and the bias of the wind – Casey’s ability to convert was somewhat troubled.
Whilst ahead for the entire duration of the game, Casey’s score often failed to reflect the dominance they held – with both side’s hurt by an overwhelming number of behinds; that, in fairness were swayed by the tricky wind they faced.
As could be noted from the first, strayed bounce; general inconsistency and off-target kicking was where the Scorpions struggled. With experienced goal kickers such as Lynden Dunn and Green taking the field, there was an unexpectedly high tally of behinds, with a team total of 19.
Along with the other 13 Melbourne listed players taking the ground for this match, there were frequent displays of high calibre skill and a pleasing sense of unity found only with experience. Whilst exciting, it was a performance tarnished by wasted opportunities and failed conversions by Casey.
In a dominant first quarter for the Scorps, two young Melbourne players in particular boasted a new found confidence at this competitive level of football. Jai Sheahan and Rory Taggert played perhaps their best games of the season, filling the void that had been left vacant by injured players such as Wade Lees and Kyle Matthews.
At this point in the game, it was Sheahan’s body work that helped him take a mark from Green that was indicative of his progress and growing strength as a player, both physically and tactically.
Soon after, Matt Fieldsend and Rian McGough then emerged on this brisk afternoon, proving they too would be dangerous in the forward line. Both men frequently attracted the ball on the run and made their mark on the score board with the first two goals of the game. Both were also among the best on ground for the day.
Whilst it was a dominant starting display by Casey, by the mid-point of the second quarter, the game was becoming subpar in quality and lacked direction.
Fortunately this lacklustre quality was overruled by the animated play of Liam Jurrah, Jack Watts and Daniel Nicholson – all of whom were exceptional in their endeavour to be called up to Casey’s AFL affiliate, Melbourne, this weekend.
Jurrah in particular was formidable in his second game back from injury. Presenting a rejuvenated demeanour, rich in forward pressure and tackling efforts, Jurrah was attacking from the start until the end.
As well as the external selection pressures that the Melbourne boys faced; the Casey listed players seemed to have their own point to prove, with all of them overlooked by VFL selectors for the representative side.
In particular, Co- Skipper Evan Pannozza was unlucky not to be given the honour, after an excellent start to the season. Unperturbed, he again proved his worth against Box Hill, with an impressive performance against the Hawks.
Whilst clearly the favourites throughout, it was a display by some of Casey’s finest up-and-comers that really widened the margin. The Casey 2011 Reserve’s Best and Fairest Luke Tynan was exceptional across the four quarters, complimenting the scoring efforts of Sam Blease (1 goal), Taggert and Fieldsend (2 goals).
Whilst the game primarily resided in Casey’s possession, it was Troy Davis’ defensive efforts that allowed the Scorpions to move the ball into the midfield and open up the forward line; allowing for a range of scoring opportunities.
With the accumulated efforts of the entire team, by the conclusion of the third quarter the 53 point margin was more indicative of Casey’s supremacy in this match.
Despite a more insistent and confident Box Hill side returning from the break, they were unable to meet the demanding game style that Casey inflicted upon them; and were again outrun, outpaced and outscored by the away side that had certainly made themselves at home.
As the final quarter progressed, the looming black skies were ominous, with the impeding threat of rain to add yet another environmental threat in the mix. However, Casey maintained their illuminated performance for the last and final period, wrapping up the game before the bad weather hit.
Under the concise instructions of Casey coach Bret Lovett and watchful eye of Melbourne coach Mark Neeld; Casey gave both the TV and live audience just what they wanted – a strong four quarter performance integrated with highlights from an array of players varying in build, strengths and experience.
Finishing with a win was a testament to the side’s cohesion and unity; and for many Casey supporters who also follow Melbourne, it was certainly a more pleasing result than that which had emerged from the MCG less than 24 hours earlier
With their second big win in as many weeks, Casey’s percentage is looking healthier after a previous cluster of games that were all won within six points or less. Now boosted up to106%, the statistic certainly better reflects their position at 2nd on the ladder.
The Casey Scorpions now face a scheduled bye and a league wide break, returning to play in June for what is sure to be a thriller against the Northern Blues at Visy Park on the 2nd of June.
Last Modified on 17/05/2012 12:04