The Werribee Tigers squandered a strong opening quarter and several late scoring opportunities to go down by seven points to western rival Williamstown at Avalon Airport Oval on Sunday as Ben Carbonaro reports.
The Tigers started well, with their good ball use and defensive pressure helping them to move ahead early. Kicking seven goals to one showed that the home team’s structures were particularly effective across the ground. Williamstown struggled to counteract them. Werribee led by 39 points at the first break.
Werribee was unable to build on its strong start in the second term, with Williamstown fighting back to kick six goals to two. Opportunities went begging for the Tigers and they struggled up forward. The Seagulls use of the corridor was the catalyst for their improved quarter, but they stilled trailed by 16 at half time.
The Tigers failed to regain their dominance as the Seagulls slowly worked away at the deficit to lead by just four points. It was quarter of momentum swings but midway through the quarter, Williamstown seized their opportunity and kicked ahead forcing Werribee to play catch up football.
Williamstown’s Damien Bugeja kicked two late goals before a free kick awarded to Jason Tutt in the final minutes saw him launch a long bomb from outside 50 that gave the Seagulls a one point lead. A goal after the siren made the final margin 7 points.
The Seagulls had raced home with five of the last six goals to steal the four points away from the home side, continuing their unbeaten run against Werribee at Avalon Airport Oval that dates back to 2005.
Tigers coach Scott West was disappointed with the loss after such a strong first quarter start.
“I wouldn’t say it all fell to pieces, but it was disappointing.
“Sometimes when you get behind, you take the game on more than you usually would. They took the game on a little bit late and they got a couple of goals, they just got the run of the ball in the end.I’m disappointed, but I’m still proud of our player’s effort.”
Tom Hill with four topped the goal kickers list for Williamstown, while Captain Ben Jolley was best on ground for his midfield performance.
North Melbourne’s Ben Warren kicked six goals in another consistent performance that saw him named best for the Tigers. Fellow Roo Lachlan Hansen kicked three goals and captain Robbie Castello chimed in with two.
West was pleased with the performance of Warren, who continues to enhance his chances of an AFL recall.
“He presents up well, takes his opportunity and to kick six goals he’s going to keep knocking on the door. That’s all he can do as a forward.”
Leigh Harding was tireless and provided good run and carry out of the back half. Ben Sharp was superb with his tackling and pressure.
Werribee now travel to take on the Coburg Tigers on Saturday and Williamstown face traditional rivals Port Melbourne in this week’s ABC TV game.
Last Modified on 01/05/2012 12:13