It was Pink Footy & Netball Day at Galvin Park as Werribee Centrals played close neighbours North Geelong in all grades with Centrals needing a win to maintain a position in the top half of the ladder. North were surprise losers in the last round and would have been out to prove a point they are contenders again in 2011.
Both teams hit the ground running as the pace of the game was very quick but both sides kicked points until Brad Saunders rolled one through for Centrals. Craig Hardingham was giving Centrals first use of the ball but they could not penetrate the North defense and it was North who received a 50m penalty and goaled. Centrals were quick to reply through Anthony Kitchen who was able to soccer one of the ground. North were slowly getting on top in the middle of the ground and quickly had another two goals and were making Centrals look slow. Nathan Lovell was switched into the centre and David Hall came onto the ground to add some pace and Centrals quickly had a goal through Alistair Burke. The next piece of play was brilliant as Centrals moved the ball from the back pocket to full forward with the work of Kitchen exceptional who got the ball to Craig Rosenzweig who kicked a late goal for the quarter.
With nothing in it both teams were prepared to throw everything at it in an attempt to wrest control of the game and it looked as it North were the team to do it early in the quarter but as the quarter progressed Centrals got back to be slightly in front at half time. Simon Calbert after a great game last week was again best for Centrals to the main break.
Centrals started the second half so different and ran the ball with confidence and three long goals from centre bounces seemed to stun North but with good sides they regrouped and came back again. Simon Calbert was again a livewire at half forward kicking a goal and when Brayden Smith ran off the half back line and kicked truly Centrals had opened up a break
Centrals had to hold North and it was not easy as North tried everything to get back into the game and they were forcing errors in Centrals back half which resulted in goals but again Centrals steadied as Burke and Rosenzweig goaled which enabled Centrals to get the points in what was a very good game of footy.
Final Scores:- Werribee Centrals 19.15 – 129 to North Geelong 15.8 - 98
Goal Kickers:- A Burke 3, S Calbert 3, C Rosenzweig 3, D Hall 2, B Chugg 2, D Leatch 2, A Kitchen, L Montgomery, B Smith & B Saunders 1 each.
Best Players:- S Calbert, T Bray, B Smith, D Leatch, A Burke, D Ellis & B Chugg.
Centrals Reserves also played North Geelong and after a defeat last week were looking to perform much better at home. They started well with Rick Alagona and Joe Pace providing the spark that was needed and kicked six goals to one in the opening term. Again Centrals could not kick a goal for two quarters and allowed North to get back in the game and even get in front. The last quarter was much better but Centrals just could not overhaul North to go down by 11 points.
Final Scores:- Werribee Centrals 9.7 – 61 to North Geelong 10.12 – 72
Goal Kickers:- M Speziale 3, J Pace 2, P Hegarty 2 & J Bailey Buckler 1.
Best Players:- R Alagona, J Pace, S O’Malley, P Hegarty, J Bailey Buckler & L Simpson.
The U 18s always knew this would be a tough assignment against last years Premiers North Geelong. For a half the game was reasonably even with Centrals only down by 20 points at half time. North slowly got on top as the game progressed and some undisciplined play only made it even harder for Centrals. The U 18s now know they will have to improve further to match it with the teams like North Geelong.
Final Scores:- Werribee Centrals 4.7 – 31 to North Geelong 13.12 – 91
Goal Kickers:- L Cachia 3, & C Wilson 1.
Best Players:- J Harkness, A Foster, L Cachia, D Boyd, C Wilson & K Blade.
This week Centrals travel to Thomson in Geelong for what will be another must win game against a side who will be one of ones who decide who plays finals footy in 2011.
Last Modified on 09/05/2011 13:12