By Ben Carbonaro
The Werribee Tigers continued their trip on the comeback trail with a 17-point win over Box Hill Hawks at Box Hill City Oval on Sunday.
After rebounding from five consecutive losses against Collingwood in their previous game, the Tigers made it two wins from two games against a much improved Box Hill outfit.
A superb last quarter performance from the Werribee defence and midfield was what restricted the Hawks when it mattered.
Tigers coach Simon Atkins was happy with the win, but said that it was part of three game block that all had to be won.
“It’s a block of three games that we just really need to sort of get over because of the predicament we are in with our bad form prior to the break,” he said.
Atkins' troops were able to take the points against Box Hill despite trailing at quarter-time and half-time.
“(In the) second quarter we just went off the boil a little bit with the way we went about some key points that we wanted to do,” he said.
“Apart from that, I just through consistently it was reasonably good.”
Todd Goldstein was best on ground with a 14 disposal, 41 hit-out and three goal performance as he further enhanced his chances of inclusion in the North Melbourne side.
Atkins thought that Goldstein relished the opportunity to dominate ruck contests.
“Goldy had the opportunity once Renouf went down to control the game of football and you talk about consistency (with) a couple of goals and 41 hit-outs, really good.”
Michael Barlow (28 disposals, 3 clearances, 7 tackles) continued his consistency in the midifield, but used the ball more consistently compared to earlier this year.
Leigh Adams (27 disposals, 6 clearances, 7 tackles) played his best game in Tigers colours and Atkins had nothing but praise for the North-Melbourne listed midfielder.
“It’s probably the best game I’ve seen him (play), he was quick, really clean with skills and he should be able to push forward from here,” Atkins said.
The Werribee Reserves had a disappointing 73-point loss 11.11.77 to 22.18.150
After being totally outclassed against Williamstown in their previous game, it was the same against Box Hill.
After having a reasonable first quarter start, the next three quarters was a poor display of skills and the Hawks capitalised to kick away as it rained goals.
Ryan Normington (32 disposals) and Ben Fletcher (22 disposals) were impressive in the midfield in an otherwise disappointing all-round team performance.
Tim Bongetti was best on ground with an impressive four goal performance, his best game since returning from severe concussion.
The issue of multiple goal kickers was again an issue with only Bongetti and North Melbourne-listed forward Nathan O’Keefe kicking multiple goals.
Next for the Tigers is the second Western derby game for season 2009 as they take on Williamstown at Chirnside Park, with action underway at 2pm.
Last Modified on 01/07/2009 14:30