The Werribee Tigers returned to the winners list with a polished 47-point win over Box Hill Hawks at Avalon Airport Oval last Sunday as Ben Carbonaro reports. The Tigers also walked away with the Beyond Blue Cup, played for each year between the two sides.
Werribee suffered a disappointing loss to North Ballarat the previous week and were looking to keep a strong home record against Box Hill intact, with the Hawks having not won at Avalon Airport Oval @ Chirnside Park since the early 90’s.
A strong opening quarter saw the Tigers kick six goals to three in overcast conditions and Box Hill struggled to convert their opportunities as they made several costly errors. The home team’s defenders pounced on those and drove them forward with ease. Werribee led by 18-points at quarter time.
Werribee stamped their dominance booting seven goals to three in the second quarter as again Box Hill struggled to contain the superb run and carry displayed by the likes of Matt O’Dwyer from half-back. With a 49-point lead at the main break, the Tigers held the upper hand after a strong first half performance.
The super work from Werribee’s back six continued as they restricted Box Hill to just one goal and a behind for the third quarter. Like their first half performance Box Hill continued to make errors that saw any hope of victory slip away. The contest was over as the home team led by 55 points at the final break.
Tigers coach Paul Satterley urged his players to hold their concentration and not let their skills slip. Although the Hawks kicked four goals to three in the final quarter, it was too little too late as Werribee kept a strong home record intact.
Satterley was happy to rebound with a win and pleased with his team’s aggressive approach.
“We played a style of footy today that is going to win us games,” he said.
“That’s a style that includes pressure, tackling, chasing and harassment. I’m really pleased with how the boys went about it.
“We want opposition footy clubs, win, lose or draw to leave this ground knowing that they have played a tough game of footy.”
While the likes of O’Dwyer, Will Martiniello and Cameron Pedersen were solid contributors for Werribee, Satterley was pleased that everyone was a valuable contributor.
“I thought there were so many contributors today, that was the other piece where everyone played their role it was really good,” he said.
North Melbourne listed forward Ben McKinley returned to form booting six goals for the Tigers, with his tackling and setting up goals for teammates standing out. Speedy midfielder Will Martiniello (32 disposals) was best for his run and pinpoint midfield kicking.
Young Hawks forward Jordan Lisle booted three majors to top the goal kickers list for the visitors, while captain Sam Gibson (30 disposals) was best on ground as he stood out part of his team’s on ball brigade.
Last Modified on 05/05/2011 13:58