Werribee Centrals played nearest neighbours Anakie in a do or die effort for both clubs to remain in the hunt for finals actions. More so for Anakie who are sitting just outside the final five in the seniors and reserves where as Centrals are just inside the five. Centrals regained Craig Rosenzweig and lost David Leatch through injury so really a clean swap in the seniors which again left the side a little short on height.
So Centrals again went with Blake Pilkington in the ruck and yet again he was outstanding not only in the centre of the ground but marking around the ground and especially dangerous as he crept forward to take some big marks and kick some very meaningful goals early in the game. Phillip Jones across the centre and in the space between half forward and half back was also influential as Centrals crept away for a small lead at quarter time. The forward line seemed to be functioning a little better as players ran the ball in and gave them every chance. It was a very fast opening to the game in what was very slippery conditions.
Blake Pilkington continued in the same mode after quarter time winning the centre and again drifting down forward to take two big marks over packs and kick Centrals first two goals of the second. The strong work of the centre line players In Brayden Montabruno, Brendan Chugg & Toby Bray was giving Centrals forwards every opportunity again as Craig Rosenzweig and Tyrone Montabruno found the big sticks.
With a seven goal lead at halftime Centrals knew they needed to continue to ensure the win but started a little slowly as Anakie looked in control but the backline stood firm and when the ball did go forward for Centrals goals resulted as David Clonan took some strong grabs, Blake Pilkington again and Shaun Simmons all kicked truly.
The team was asked to not slacken off and from the bounce continued to attack all but for a period in the middle of the quarter as Anakie kicked five goals due to Centrals taking the game a little easier but they then again found momentum and kicked the last three goals of the game to run out good winners.
Final Scores:- Werribee Centrals 22.14 – 146 to Anakie 12.10 - 82
Goal Kickers:- B Pilkington 5, D Clonan 3, C Rosenzweig 3, T Montabruno 3, B Chugg 2, R Murphy 2, B Montabruno 2, S Simmons & L Phipps 1 each.
Best Players:- B Pilkington, P Jones, D Clonan, B Chugg, T Montabruno & B Montabruno.
Centrals Reserves also needing to win the remaining games knew they would be up against it in Anakie at home and that’s the way it was. Centrals really did not show the necessary endeavour in the early part for such an important game and were lucky to be ahead at quarter time. If perhaps not for the work of Josh Richmond, Nathan Beasley and coach Andrew McDonald Centrals may well have been behind. From this point on it was an arm wrestle with neither side gaining any ascendancy and Centrals maintained that slight advantage to the final siren.
Final Scores:- Werribee Centrals 9.4 – 58 to Anakie 6.6 – 42
Goal Kickers:- J Richmond 4, D Giarrusso 2, C Brierty, D Gollotta & M DeLuca 1 each.
Best Players:- J Richmond, R Alagona, A McDonald, N Beasley, C Wilson & L Williams.
The U 18s Colts team had a solid against Bannockburn and will be looking forward now for the upcoming finals as they remain second on the ladder.
Final Scores:- Werribee Centrals 17.3 – 105 to Bannockburn 5.12 – 42
Goal Kickers:- D Cachia 4, B Germon 3, M Gatti 2, B Wharton 2, D Camilleri, D Hicks, S Parsons, J Wighton, C Hockins & B Wilson 1 each.
Best Players:- S Parsons, L Cachia, G Uren, C Chesterman, B Germon & D Hicks.
This week Centrals are at Galvin Park Werribee to Winchelsea in the last home and away round for season 2012 and everyones last chance to see the side in action prior to the finals in Geelong.
Last Modified on 11/08/2012 18:24