Werribee Centrals are in a position where they must win all games remaining in the season to be assured a finals spot and this game against Corio was no exception. Centrals always struggle at Corio and find it hard to play the long ground and this week with the rain and the very wet conditions it was not going to be any easier.
Again Centrals lost key players in Nathan Lovell and Craig Rosenzweig and this would only make it harder especially without a recognized ruckman.
To cover these positions Blake Pilkington came into the ruck and had to use his leap to cover this position which he did well and seemed to relish the job as he worked hard at the bounce and was everywhere picking up kicks and in fact kicked the first two goals of the game by pushing forward with the wet ball. Centrals were all out attack and this was paying off as Luke Phipps also kicked a goal of the half forward line and then David Leatch marked and goaled so a great start for the game.
Centrals bigger forward line was creating problems for Corio and David Clonan at centre half forward became a focal point as well as he was fed the ball continuously by the likes of Phil Jones and Blake Pilkington who was still picking up kicks as he liked. The pressure was building for Corio and some poor decisions gave Centrals further goals as they had a nine goal break at halftime.
After the break Corio placed far more pressure on the ball carrier and Centrals found it hard to find a target unlike the first half and this was stopping the forwards getting a clear run at the ball as players just kicked indiscriminately. The game developed into packs and Centrals struggled with this congested style of game especially when the heavy rain came mid quarter.
The last quarter continued as the third as the game slowed down further in the very wet conditions which made it difficult for either side to break away. Corio seemed to handle the wet ground better and handled the ball better but could just not convert on the scoreboard whereas Centrals when they got forward were able to convert either off the ground or through marks.
Final Scores:- Werribee Centrals 17.13 – 115 to Corio 5.2 - 32
Goal Kickers:- D Leatch 6, T Montebruno 2, B Pilkington 2, L Phipps, D Clonan, B Montabruno, K Blade, M Patterson & R Alagona 1 each.
Best Players:- B Montabruno, P Jones, D Clonan, D Leatch, K Blade & L Phipps.
Centrals Reserves also needing a win to maintain contact with the final five did not start well and looked anything but a finals side. Yes with many players missing either up in the seniors due to injuries or unavailable but it was no excuse as it was the senior players in the group that should have led from the front and they did not for the first half of the game as Corio looked like the side playing for finals.
After the break Centrals improved a little and slowly worked their way back into the game but it was still being left to too few and in the end it was only that Centrals were the fitter side as Corio really lost the game as they did not run it out as well as Centrals to the end. The Reserves will have to improve a lot if they are to win the next few games ensuring a finals place along side the rest of the club.
Final Scores:- Werribee Centrals 7.10 – 52 to Corio 7.4 – 46
Goal Kickers:- D Giarrusso 4, D Gollotta, D Serratore & J Walters 1 each.
Best Players:- R Murphy, D Gollotta, J Walters, A Zammitt, J Richmond & J Pace.
This week Centrals are at home to Geelong West and again must win this well to be any chance to stay back in the finals race.
Last Modified on 28/07/2012 20:15