TIGERS TUMBLE OUT OF FINALS RACE
By Tristan Foenander
The Werribee Tigers went into Sunday's Elimination Final with a good record against the North Ballarat Roosters and the announcement of Travis Robertson's retirement was also expected to spur the team to great heights during this finals campaign.
At their most recent meeting just two weeks ago, the Tigers won convincingly.
The story this time could not have been more different. In a dark day for the Tigers, they were outclassed by a gritty and determined Roosters outfit, going down 28.16. (184) to 16.12. (108).
Few pundits gave the Roosters a chance of turning the tables on the Werribee side. It quickly became apparent that the Roosters weren't in the finals simply to make up the numbers.
Storming out of the blocks with the aid of a breeze, the Roosters booted eleven goals in a pulsating term of football, which brought the travelling faithful from Ballarat to their feet.
The Tigers could only manage four goals with the wind advantage in the second quarter as the Roosters continued their rampage and extended the lead to 69 points at half time.
Something special was needed from the Tigers. And despite the margin, Werribee supporters remained hopeful, having seen their side produce extraordinary comebacks over the past two seasons.
Coach Simon Atkins swung the changes in a desperate bid to reel in the deficit. It was all to no avail as the Roosters' charge gained momentum. At the final break, the margin had grown out to a whopping 86 points.
Atkins pleaded with his players to play for pride in the final term. His troops rallied and posted eight goals in the final term. The final margin was still a whopping 76 points.
North Ballarat 28.16-184
Werribee 16.12-108
Goal Kickers: J. Podsiadly 3, R. Castello 3, T. Robertson 2, T. Baird 2, J. Barham, W. Skipper, B. Robinson, D. McCormack, J. Furfaro, S. Hassan
Best Players: R. Castello, B. Robinson, D. Gleeson, T. Robertson, S. Potter, C. Faulkner
North Ballarat
Goal Kickers: B. Le Cras 5, S. Clifton 5, S. Dinnell 3, X. Moloney 3, J. Spolding 2, B. Goodes 2, D. Trotter 2, T. Limb 2, N. Saunders, D. Whyman, A. Watson, M. Riggio
Best Players: S. Clifton, J. Spolding, B. Le Cras, S. Moloney, A. George, M. Jamison
Last Modified on 22/02/2008 11:10