THE Werribee Tigers’ four-game winning streak is over, writes Nick Duxson
The Tigers succumbed to ladder-leaders Box Hill Hawks by 43 points on Saturday in the beyondblue Cup at Avalon Airport Oval.
The Hawks piled on seven goals-to-two in the opening term to claim a point lead, an advantage they would hold until the final siren.
While Werribee were competitive after quarter time, coach Scott West said his side was exposed by the hawks relentless pressure.
“I think today it was really obvious, there was some really poor execution of skills through extra pressure,” West said.
“They’re (Box Hill) renowned for their pressure skills, we didn’t handle the pressure well at all.
“We’ve just got to make sure that under pressure we can maintain our skill execution.”
Ben Speight ran into an open goal midway through the first quarter to open Werribee’s account, but with Hawthorn-listed players Kyle Cheney and Matt Spangher floating across half back, the home side struggled to find a way forward.
The Hawks’ pace and skill level was on display early and with their superior pressure around the contest, the visitors enjoyed a five-goal lead at the first change.
The Tigers responded to the challenge, with consecutive goals to Addam Maric and Robbie Tarrant reducing the margin to 21 points.
Despite an increased work-rate all around the ground, errors continued to plague the Tigers, while Box Hill was able to move the ball quickly, rebound and utilise an open forward line to lead by 34 points at the main break.
Werribee rallied after half time with back-to-back goals, but again Box Hill found a way to respond.
When Scott Sherlock kicked a running goal from 45 metres out early in the third quarter, it appeared as though a comeback could be on the cards.
But despite Daniel Currie continuing his good form in the ruck, Werribee’s midfield could not take advantage, the Hawks’ pressure around the stoppages forcing hurried kicks and turnovers.
The scoreline could have been worse, if not for the resolute defending of Jake Wilson, an effort not lost on the coach.
“We always knew he (Wilson) was going to be undersized, but I thought he was really good. I thought it was probably his best game for the year to date.”
With Box Hill giants Jon Ceglar, Sam Grimley and Luke Lowden all spending time forward, Scott Clouston moved into defence to aid Wilson and Ayden Kennedy.
“Kenno (Ayden Kennedy) played under size so we put Clouston back and he was terrific I thought after quarter time.”
Robbie Tarrant finished with three goals in his first game back from injury.
“It’s a two-goal difference after quarter time. You try and look at it glass half full. We’ll just have to review the tapes and see what happens.”
2013 Peter Jackson VFL
Werribee Tigers 2.3 4.7 8.8 10.12 (72)
Box Hill Hawks 7.3 10.5 13.9 17.13 (115)
GOALS:
Werribee Tigers: Tarrant 3 Maric 2 Speight Sherlock McKinley Daw Warren
Box Hill Hawks: Tobin 3 Grimley 3 Hallahan 3 Wanganeen 2 Northe 2 Murphy Cheney Langford Wood
BEST:
Werribee Tigers: Wilson Sierakowski Clouston McKinley Tarrant McGenniss
Box Hill Hawks: Mirra Hallahan Cheney Spangher Tobin Wanganeen
Last Modified on 24/06/2013 11:25