By Simon Dang
Williamstown continued their impressive start to the season today with a thumping 66-point win in treacherous conditions at Burbank Oval.
Things did not start off great for their opponents, the Werribee Tigers, after they lost the toss and had star recruit Nathan Thompson arrive late at the ground owing to media commitments.
The Seagulls showed no respite though, as the first quarter was played exclusively in their half and saw them kick five goals to nothing. The gail-like wind was for all to see, as boundary throw-ins would deviate up to ten metres mid air. Seagulls forward Patrick Rose did not seem to be phased by the conditions as he slotted home from the boundary line with a kick that swung from the top of the square straight through the sticks.
Many expected the tide to turn for Werribee with the gail in the second quarter but it was not to be. Williamstown handled the conditions much better than Werribee did, as the Tigers could only manage one goal. The game then became a territorial battle full of clangers and exchanges of possession with the teams heading into half time with score at 5.9.39 to 1.3.9.
Werribee came out in the second half and showed much promise but missed two early opportunities to put apply scoreboard pressure. Things then slowly turned Williamstown's way and the rest of quarter belonged to Patrick Rose as he booted four goals and led the Seagulls to a 56-point lead at three quarter time.
Again, the Tigers came out roaring in the fourth but their forward line continued to misfire despite kicking with the monstrous wind. Williamstown's Jason Cloke did not do them any favours either absolutely dominating taking grab after grab in his back line. The quarter, in general, was forgettable as the wind pushed many shots from both sides wide. The Seagulls were able to extend their lead by 10 points though and finished the game with 12.18.90 to the Tigers' 3.6.24.
Rose and Cloke were, without doubt, best on ground for the Seagulls while Tigers captain Dom Gleeson put in a courageous effort through the tough conditions. Next up, Williamstown face Coburg at Burbank Oval while Werribee face Box Hill at Bartercard Oval.
Williamstown 5.7 5.9 10.15 12.18 (90)
| Werribee Tigers 0.0 1.3 2.5 3.6 (24)
GOALS:Williamstown: Rose 5 Little 2 Reid 2 Everitt Stretton Cordy
Werribee Tigers: Castello 2 Obst
BEST:Williamstown: Rose Cloke Skipper Johnson O'Keefe Reid
Werribee Tigers: Harris Castello Obst Grima Gleeson Wormald
REPORTED PLAYERS:Williamstown: Nil
Werribee Tigers: Nil
Last Modified on 28/04/2009 14:51