Werribee Tigers suffer third straight defeat
By Tristan Foenander
Werribee coach Simon Atkins will be asking questions of his players after the Tigers slumped to a third successive defeat at the hands of Coburg on Sunday.
Coburg stormed over the top of the Werribee side in the final term to record an 11-point- victory, 11.14.80 to 10.9.69.
The withdrawal of Bulldogs-listed defender Damien McCormack through injury did not help the Tigers game plan.
Pre-match, Atkins urged his players to be wary of Coburg's small forwards, his worst nightmare was realised when goal-sneak Jonathon Mullins booted five goals in a match-winning display for Coburg.
Despite the wet conditions, the signs looked good early for Werribee when Robbie Castello dribbled through a freakish goal from the boundary line, as they established a handy lead early in the match.
Coburg hit back in the second quarter to trail by only a goal at the long break.
The game was an arm wrestle, with both sides enjoying their fair share of possession.
A spirited Coburg side came out in the second half and hit the front early in the third term, much to the delight of the home crowd.
Goals to Sal Hassan, James Podsiadly and Travis Baird saw Werribee regain the lead as they skipped to a nine point lead at the final change.
Questionable umpiring decisions left the home supporters irate.
One was not afraid to express his feelings, launching a scathing attack on the men in fluorescent orange and receiving rapturous support from his fellow supporters.
The raucous home crowd was desperate to get their team across the line and the noise level reflected their passion. The home team responded and Werribee looked a team beaten.
Coburg showed more endeavour in the final term kicking three goals while Werribee could only manage two behinds.
With their only win coming against competition cellar-dweller Bendigo, the Tigers find themselves sitting outside the eight ahead of this week's bye.
The team will be looking to re-group and find some winning form when it tackles the Box Hill Hawks at Chirnside Park in two weeks.
The Reserves also suffered their third defeat of the season, going down 10.13.73 to 7.8.50.
SCOREBOARD:
Coburg 3.0 4.5 8.10 11.14.80
Werribee 4.3 5.5 10.7 10.9.69
Best:
Wight, Purss, Birss, Robertson, Barham, Hassan
Goal kickers:
Davidson 3, Podsiadly 2, Hassan, Twomey, Baird, Castello, Power
Reserves
Coburg Tigers 10.13.73 to Werribee 7.8.50.
Werribee
Goal Kickers: J. Furfaro 3, J. Garth 2, B. Murphy 2
Best Players: B. Lavars, S. Wormald, T. Addison, K. Thompson, J. Furfaro, J. Walker
Last Modified on 22/02/2008 12:03