Werribee Centrals travelled to East Geelong to play the third top and were looking for a little redemption from the disaster of the first round when well beaten at home in front of a large Past Player group. Something that will not be forgotten in a hurry by many. The pressure was on from the start with anything on the ground hotly contested but East Geelong appeared to be able to get more men around the footy which was allowing them to get more procession of the footy. Also Centrals ball disposal was letting them down as they missed target after target. East Geelong kicking with the aid of a strong wind got away to a four goal lead by quarter end.
Centrals kicked two quick goals and looked to be well back in it but East responded as they spread and moved the ball into the wind with precision something Centrals found hard to do still. A great mark and goal from Phil Jones the highlight of the quarter.
Centrals knew they had to lift and the move of Shaun Simmons to the forward line added some spark and Centrals started to get a sniff but could only add points until Josh Richmond was taken high and a resultant free was a goal. By end of the quarter the result was Centrals were still four goals behind but were playing better footy so a chance if they started well.
Once again the positioning of players by the coaches leaves everyone stunned as Simmons the spark Centrals had was moved back again and the momentum and pace the forward half had seemed to dissipate as each forward thrust was just rebounded by East. Finally Scott Rathbone was in position to crumb off the pack and goal but it was far too late. Centrals had chances but the forward movement was not what it should have been as players just bombed the ball with no one at home and was easily defended by East who ran out three goal winners.
Final Scores:- Werribee Centrals 8.10 – 57 to East Geelong 11.10 - 76
Goal Kickers:- D Clonan 2, D Leatch 2, B Smith, R Cornish, S Rathbone & T Bray 1 each.
Best Players:- P Jones, R Cornish, L Phipps, B Chugg, S Simmons & N Lovell.
Centrals Reserves with many players missing again due to injury never looked like winners especially in the first quarter as East Geelong poured on six goals before Centrals troubled the scorers kicking with the aid of a strong breeze. Centrals finally came to life in the latter part of the quarter but really too late as East had bolted. Centrals came back hard in the second and got back within two goals with the assistance of some hard work from Adam Schembri and Rick Alagona.
Centrals again in the third played some hard footy but very poor decision making and disposal in the back line allowed east to kick two late goals with the wind. Centrals had to work hard in the last to get back but really nothing eventuated and they were kept goalless for the last half of footy.
Final Scores:- Werribee Centrals 5.3 – 33 to East Geelong 9.13 – 67
Goal Kickers:- D Giarrusso 2, L Speziale 2, A Zammitt 1.
Best Players:- R Alagona, A Schembri, A Zammitt, J Pace, K Blade, A McLeod & N Beasley.
This week Centrals are at home at Galvin Park Shaws Road Werribee against Inverleigh and must win in both seniors and reserves if they are any hope to get back into the finals race for 2012. It will also be sponsors day at the club so come along and be part of the day.