It was Past Players Day at Werribee Centrals as they played Corio at Galvin Park in the Call to Arms Game for Cancer Research. Centrals needed to win to hold onto fifth spot and Corio needed to win this game as well to keep in touch with the teams in the five after a slow start to the season. In the first round there was only a point separating the sides at the final siren which was played at Corio and this game was expected to be close as well. With a very good crowd of past players Centrals had plenty of support.
The game was played in terrible winds and Centrals took advantage of winning the toss and kicked with it. Corio started with good intensity into the wind but it was short lived as Alistair Burke was able to take possession and kick a long goal to start the match. Anthony Kitchen was strong in attack and kicked two goals in the quarter but it was Tobi Bray that was setting the game up for Centrals in the middle of the ground. He was instrumental in goals to Kitchen, Calbert and one of his own to give Centrals a strong lead at quarter time. Kitchen limped off late in the quarter and would miss the rest of the game.
The second quarter would be seen whether Centrals could hold the Corio running brigade and it didn’t take long to find out as Corio kicked three quick ones from range after running loose across the centre of the ground. Centrals needed to tighten up and this they did and the game started to become one of holding possession. Again it was Bray who was doing the damage for Centrals across half forward and enabled Dale Carlton to goal but then Corio goaled to be only nine points in arrears by half time.
Centrals forward line seemed to have no system with Kitchen injured and this ensured a slow start to the quarter for the home club. Finally a goal from Brendan Chugg from a mark but it was all points from then on as players struggled to handle the strong wind. Goals to Luke Montgomery and Bray started to give Centrals some system going forward and with Alistair Burke picking up possessions Centrals needed a couple more to go into the last with a reasonable lead. They got them with good work from Burke again and Brayden Smith who allowed both Burke and Shaun Hegarty to goal in the latter stages of the quarter.
With a seven goal lead and a gale blowing against them would Centrals be able to maintain enough pressure to hold on. Devon Ellis was strong and was giving Centrals plenty to be happy about on his wing but still Corio came and with three quick goals were back in it. Adam Schembri was sent to half back to stem the tide a little and he took some telling marks and ensured centrals maintained a good lead. Centrals then started to attack themselves and with good running was able to get two back through good work by Dale Collins and Simon Calbert. Corio kicked another two late in the quarter but it was to late with Centrals running out convincing winners.
Final Scores:- Werribee Centrals 17.17 – 119 to Corio 11.15 - 81
Goal Kickers:- A Burke 3, D carlton 3, T Bray 2, A Kitchen 2, S Calbert 2, D Cachia, B Chugg, P Hegarty, L Montgomery & D Collins 1 each.
Best Players:- T Bray, A Burke, A Schembri, D Ellis, S Simmonds, L Montgomery & C Hardingham.
The Reserves Grade game was against the two top teams both on 44 points being centrals & Corio but it was Corio who showed why they are where they are. Centrals were second to the ball, not prepared to man up or to make the play and they just left it to Corio to run away with the game. Corio kicked seven goals in the first quarter with no opposition and then backed it up with six against the wind to lead by eleven goals at half time. Jace Walters tried hard but had few helpers as Corio ran out big winners. They will need to regroup hard for the game next weekend and show some real intensity.
Final Scores:- Werribee Centrals 5.10 – 40 to Corio 13.7– 85
Goal Kickers:- J Fastuca 2, M Deluca, C Kelly & N Reschke 1 each.
Best Players:- J Walters, D Cooper, C Kelly, J Pace, R Alagona & N Reschke.
Centrals U 18s also played Corio and it was a real struggle all day as both sides contested hard for the ball. Centrals could have been further in front except for some very undisciplined actions by a few players. You only let your teammates down when you are drawn into these actions and in finals footy to come they will cost you and the team dearly.
Final Scores:- Werribee Centrals 11.8 – 74 to Corio 6.3 - 39
Goal Kickers:- J Davis 2, R Hickey 2, D Steele 2, A Cook, D Gamble, M Mitoiu, B Noy & J Williams 1 each.
Best Players:- J Davis, J Vasiljevic, K Blade, L Painter, D Gamble & A Hamilton.
Centrals are at home to Geelong West this weekend and this game and a win is very important to maintain the little break they will have over the sixth side and keep that fifth spot on the ladder and a finals berth.
Last Modified on 19/07/2009 17:05