Casey Scorpions have continued their nail biting final quarter finishes in 2012, recording their third win of the season against a determined Frankston by one solitary point at Casey Fields on Sunday. The lead did not extend past 15 points for either side during the game, but it was Casey who was able to hold on in the dying stages to help themselves to second spot on the ladder after three rounds, as Dale Fenney and Anthony Stanguts report.
The Casey faithful have certainly had their fair share of heart stoppers to begin season 2012, with all three of the Scorpions victories going right down to the wire with wins by 2 points (Williamstown), 6 points (Coburg) and now 1 point (Frankston).
Frankston came out firing in the first quarter kicking two goals in three minutes via Khan Haretuku and Jake Greeley. Kelvin Lawrence for Casey was on fire early, with speed and quick ball handling skills. Haretuku soon had his second goal, and Frankston had the early advantage.
It was a positive start for Frankston, after the previous week not scoring a goal in the first term against Bendigo. At quarter time, it was the visitors Frankston leading by one point.
Casey started off the second term with a quick goal, but Frankston were quick to reply with the next two, the second from Luke Potts who was amongst the best for the Dolphins in the first half. Casey started to get back the advantage after early inaccuracy cost them. Jack Fitzpatrick was a key player for the Scorpions, winning a lot of the ball up forward and also when he was in the ruck. Casey turned the tables on the Dolphins in the second term, leading by 8 points at half time.
Neither team could get the upper hand in the third term. Frankston continued their accurate game with two goals straight for the term. Casey cost themselves a bigger lead at three quarter time kicking two goals five for the term to hold a 13 point advantage going into the final quarter.
In the last quarter the game was up for grabs. Luke Clark started the fourth quarter with a goal for Frankston, but after a quick centre clearance Casey kicked the reply to regain their three quarter time lead. It was to be the home sides’ final goal of the game as Frankston kicked the next two goals to draw within two points.
Casey attempted to shut down the game in the late stages, until Frankston had their last attempt at victory. From a boundary throw in, Frankston got the tap and kicked over the pack straight to Kyle Martin, how launched a kick from around 50 out but missed kicking behind and reducing the margin to one point.
This was to be the final margin as Casey held on for their third win of the season.
After the game Scorpions coach Brett Lovett said his team didn’t play as good as he would have liked. Lovett commented that Frankston played great, used the ball well and he paid full credit to their performance. Of the Melbourne listed players, Lovett thought that Cale Morton had shown form in the first three games of the season, along with Luke Tapscott and Jack Fitzpatrick.
Frankston coach Simon Goosey on the other hand thought that there was a lot to take from the game for his side. However he stated his side needed to learn to reduce their mistakes and to make more of their opportunities.
Casey remains at home this weekend, hosting Bendigo Gold, whilst Frankston head across the bay to take on Geelong, still looking for their first win of the season.
Last Modified on 10/04/2012 09:36