Traditional football weather of rain and mud presented itself to the Werribee Tigers in their 18-point win over Box the Box Hill Hawks on Saturday as Ben Carbonaro reports.
The Tigers were coming off a heart breaking two-point loss to traditional rivals Williamstown and the game against Box Hill provided an opportunity for redemption against a Hawks team that sat just inside the top eight.
In what was a very scrappy contest highlighted by a high amount of stoppages and irregular forward line action, the Tigers came back from a second quarter momentum swing.
Only eight points separated the two sides at half-time, but there was still work to do if Werribee wanted to build some sort of lead in trying conditions.
During the second half, goals were hard to come by as both teams spent plenty of time just trying to clear the ball out from stoppages. Despite being able to more of the ball than Werribee, Box Hill was unable to convert as they continually sprayed shots on goal.
Two final quarter goals from Ben McKinley sealed a Werribee victory, giving the Tigers their tenth win of the season.
Tigers coach Scott West was pleased to get the win despite the conditions and having less scoring shots than their opposition.
“I don’t think we were lucky (to win) at all, no one stated that to me when we had more scoring shots and lost a game earlier in the year” he said.
“The conditions meant that you had to be smarter about your decisions and taking the risk, any fumble or missed opportunity the opposition can get it then go back the other way. We just had to be smarter about it.”
On a day that wasn’t conducive to forwards the three Bens in McKinley, Warren and Ross all kicked two goals. Leigh Harding was best for his ability to control the play across half back for Werribee.
For the Hawks, Xavier Murphy booted two goals and Matt Jones was best on ground.
Werribee now travels to Perth for Thursday night’s Foxtel Cup Grand Final against WAFL club Claremont and returns to VFL action on Saturday 11th August when it hosts fellow North Melbourne affiliate North Ballarat. Box Hill hosts the Coburg Tigers in this Saturday’s ABC TV clash.
Last Modified on 31/07/2012 13:59