The Werribee Tigers opened their season with a come from behind 35-point win over North Ballarat at Eureka Stadium last Saturday as Ben Carbonaro reports.
After a strong recruiting campaign and the appointment of a new coach in Scott West, the Tigers were primed for a strong season opening performance.
North Ballarat flew out of the blocks with a dominant six goal to nothing opening quarter. The Tigers were unable to restrict the home team’s slick ball movement and accurate kicking as they led by 40 points at quarter time.
Despite kicking four goals, the Tigers struggled to play a consistent brand of football and made several costly turnovers and went to the main break trailing by 37 points. North Ballarat led by as much as 47 points at one stage.
The Tigers were a different team after half-time, kicking 11 goals to two in the third quarter. Aggressive and fast ball movement were highlights of the visitor’s stunning comeback. The Tigers held a handy 15-point lead at three quarter time.
A strong performance from Werribee’s back six was a feature of the final quarter as the visitors kicked five goals to two.
Scott West was happy to win his first official game as coach of the Tigers, but stressed his team overused the ball.
“Our intensity was down, we certainly over used the footy during the first half.
“It’s relieving (to win), it doesn’t matter whether you’re a player or coach, you just like to notch that win. I’m rapt to have a win,” West said.
North Melbourne’s Ben McKinley booted four goals to top the goal kickers list for the Tigers, while Scott Sherlock was best for his hard work in the midfield.
It was a stunning comeback for Sherlock, who injured his knee at the same venue a year ago and had to undergo a full knee reconstruction.
Small forward Bill Driscoll kicked four goals for the Roosters and Nick Peters was best on ground.
The Tigers make their first ABC TV appearance for 2012 this Saturday, as they travel to North Port Oval to take on Port Melbourne and North Ballarat host Sandringham on Sunday.
Last Modified on 26/03/2012 09:28