Werribee Centrals played old foes Bannockburn in the battle for the Highway Cup. These two clubs have played each other in more Grand Finals than any other clubs so there is a close rivalry as well as a mutual respect for each other on and off the field. Both clubs had surprising losses in the last round so both teams were looking for redemption in this game at Galvin Park.
And so it was with both teams showing a tremendous amount of intensity at the ball and being prepared to do all the hard things in footy to win the ball for their team. Bannockburn seemed to be the quicker side early but both backlines were on top and scoring was difficult. It was goal for goal for the first 10 minutes but Centrals greater physical strength held sway and they slowly got on top and kicking with the aid of a breeze opened up a handy five goal lead at quarter time. Strong work from Alistair Burke, Craig Rosenzweig and Blake Pilkington during the quarter and the ruck work of Craig Hardingham were the highlights of the term
Centrals now kicking into the wind needed to work the ball much better and this they did as Anthony Kitchen and Rosenzweig combined for a smart goal. Centrals were overusing the ball a little and this was causing turnovers but they were still able to score consistently even though Bannockburn were able to match them on most occasions. As the term wore on Centrals again got on top and goals to Toby Bray, Burke and Kitchen gave Centrals a good break at the half.
Anthony Kitchen & Toby Bray opened up the third quarter with great goals as the game was being played in Centrals half of the ground. Centrals attacked for not much result for a period but their persistence paid off as Brendan Chugg who had been a livewire across the centre kicked long and Matt DeLuca chipped in for a couple of goals as well to ensure Centrals had a winning score on the board prior to the break.
The last was always going to be a hard slog with coach David Leatch setting a goal for the side to kick at least three for the quarter against the strong breeze and not to let Bannockburn get back. Certainly the intensity dropped off from both sides and this allowed Bannockburn to outscore the home side in the last quarter.
Final Scores:- Werribee Centrals 20.10 – 130 to Bannockburn 9.8 - 62
Goal Kickers:- A Kitchen 3, A Burke 3, D Hall 3, C Rosenzweig 2, M Deluca 2, T Bray 2, N Lovell, D Leatch, D Galle, B Chugg & B Saunders 1 each.
Best Players:- S McGuiness, T Bray, S Weatherley, C Hardingham, D Leatch, A Burke & B Chugg.
Centrals Reserves who looked anything but winners last week against Anakie wanted to show they could be far better than that. This was the Grand Final rematch from last year but it did not gain those dizzy heights at all as both sides struggled to gain any momentum. Bannockburn had kicked 11 points before kicking their first goal late in the third quarter and this goal got them back in the match.
In the last quarter Centrals kicked two goals straight to Bannockburns one goal six points to run out 3 point winners.
Final Scores:- Werribee Centrals 6.2 – 38 to Bannockburn 2.17 – 35
Goal Kickers:- J Pace 5 & M Keartland 1.
Best Players:- L Simpson, J Pace, M Keartland, R Alagona & A Di Campli.
This week Centrals have the bye for Easter and in a weeks time play Winchelsea at Winchelsea in a must win for Centrals.
Last Modified on 16/04/2011 19:50