By Jack Heverin
Saturday night saw the return of night football to Casey Fields, though the Scorpions were unable to come away with the victory in front of their home crowd, going down to Port Melbourne by four points.
Casey did most of the running in the contest, and certainly had their chances to come away with the points in the 10.11 (71) to 9.13 (67) loss.
Despite the greasy conditions normally associated with night matches, the game was very skillful, though neither side could make the most of their opportunities going forward.
In a slow start to the match, it wasn't until the 17-minute mark that the first goal was scored through Port forward Billy Burstin.
The Scorpions remained goalless for the first term, despite going inside 50 on 11 occasions. Coach Peter German praised his side's workrate, though was very critical on their efforts when looking for a target in the forward line.
Melbourne star Russell Robertson was providing a target to kick to and scored the first major for the Scorpions just 90 seconds into the second term from a set shot.
It proved to be the Scorpions only goal for the term, though they only trailed by 16 points at the main break, such was the low scoring nature of the game.
The Scorpions kicked four goals in the third term, including a superb snap from Liam Jurrah, and Russell Robertson's goal at the 29 minute mark left the Scorpions behind by 10 points with a quarter to play.
Casey lost Skipper Kyle Matthews in the third term to an eye injury. Before he left the ground, Matthews was at his courageous best across half back, putting his body on the line at every opportunity.
In an epic last quarter, where the sides went goal for goal, it was Port that were able to keep their nose in front.
Port forward Adrian Bonaddio, who was well held by Trent Zomer, kicked a superb goal late in the last quarter to give his side some breathing space.
The Scorpions kicked a late goal through Robertson, however Port were able to hang on for a well-earned victory.
Cory McGrath was terrific for Port, using the ball very well by foot, while Matthew Smith enjoyed the physical nature of the game. Youngster Sam Pleming also played an important role for the winners.
For Casey, Shane Valenti was dominant through the middle of the ground, running hard and using the ball with great effect.
Jake Spencer also showed his promise, clearly winning the ruck contests all evening. Down back, James Wall and Alex Silvagni again put the clamps on their opponents, while also finding the footy with ease.
Scorpions General Manager Brian Woodman said the side could take many positives out of the match.
"We want to play a very fast style of footy, and our young list will only improve the more they play together," Woodman said.
Casey Scorpions 0.3 1.7 5.11 9.13 (67)
| Port Melbourne 2.4 4.5 7.9 10.11 (71)
GOALS:Casey Scorpions: Robertson 3 Maric 2 Grimes Moore McGough Jurrah
Port Melbourne: Bonaddio 3 Robbins 2 Mullins Dillon Raymond Burstin Smith
BEST:Casey Scorpions: Valenti Wall Silvagni Spencer Panozza Robertson
Port Melbourne: McGrath Pleming Smith Brewer Dalton Bonaddio
REPORTED PLAYERS:Casey Scorpions: B. MaCreadie (Casey) for charging M. Smith (Port Melbourne) during the 3rd quarter
Port Melbourne: Nil
Last Modified on 20/04/2009 11:50