Centrals after a disappointing game against the one of the ladder leaders in East Geelong last week traveled to Inverleigh in what was a make or break game for both sides. The winner would hold fifth spot and the loser would find it extremely difficult to make up the difference over the coming weeks and become a finalist at the end of the season. Centrals lost Dave Kennedy and David Todaro last week to season ending injuries and as most teams find it difficult winning at Inverleigh, Centrals knew this would be a fight to the end.
Inverleigh won the toss and kicked with the strong breeze and quickly had the first goal on the board and showed Centrals just what they were prepared to do to win this game. Strong tackling and a real pace in the game from the opening bounce. Centrals first gamer Tobi Bray who was playing in the centre quickly replied and then was instrumental in getting the ball to Anthony Kitchen who goaled. It was to be even at the end of the quarter but Inverleighs pace was certainly worrying Centrals but as the quarter wore on they seemed to be able to match them up well.
The second quarter was no difference as the pace of the game intensified and the sides matched each other goal for goal and the strong wind giving neither side any real advantage. Dean Cachia back in the seniors had chances but could not convert but all of a sudden Centrals kicked three in a row and had a real break going in at halftime. The hard work of Craig Hardingham and Devon Ellis along with Tobi Bray in the centre was making all the difference.
To offset the wind advantage in the third Centrals played Adam Schembri across half back and this was giving Centrals a loose man and some momentum coming forward but they could not convert their chances with some easy misses letting the side down. Inverleigh on the other hand was making the most of their opportunities and got back to within one straight kick before Centrals kicked two more points to have an eight point break at the last change.
Which side would break first with so much pressure being placed on this win by both sides. Inverleigh kicked the first goal of the quarter and there was nothing in it. Cachia again had a chance from a strong mark but it was Anthony Kitchen who stood tall and kicked his fourth. This seemed to lift Centrals but it was only points being kicked so Inverleigh were still well in the match. It was very hard at the ball as both sides tried to contain the other and packs were the order of the day and again Kitchen became the focal point as he marked strongly and goaled. Inverleigh though never gave up and got back to within a goal until Kitchen again marked in a pack and converted. With minutes to go Inverleigh had one last chance at the ball up but it was Centrals who got the ball away and Alistair Burke kicked a long goal from outside fifty to seal the game.
Final Scores:- Werribee Centrals 12.17 – 89 to Inverleigh 10.11 - 71
Goal Kickers:- A Kitchen 5, D Cachia 2, T Bray, A Burke, S Calbert, D Carlton & A Molivas 1 each.
Best Players:- T Bray, A Burke, A Schembri, D Ellis, B Smith, L Montgomery, A Kitchen & C Hardingham.
Centrals Reserve Grade needed topping up by U 18 players due to injuries and work and as Inverleigh burst forward from the opening bounce and goaled it looked as though it may have been a long afternoon. But with Chris Kelly across half forward Centrals quickly found momentum and kicked the next nine goals with the aid of the wind. It was never a contest after this as centrals continued against the wind in the second quarter to go further ahead. The work across half back and the drive given by Shaun Wickens and Dale Collins really set up Centrals and gave Chris Kelly and Dean Giarrusso an arm chair ride up forward as they kicked 14 goals between them. Matthew Deluca was also a solid contributor.
Final Scores:- Werribee Centrals 20.9 – 129 to Inverleigh 6.2– 38
Goal Kickers:- D Giarrusso 8, C Kelly 6, M Deluca 2, G Cooke, A Pappas, L Simpson & R Dougherty 1 each.
Best Players:- S Wickens, D Collins, M Deluca, N Reschke, C Kelly, D Giarrusso & J O Brien.
Centrals are at home to Corio in another very important game for both clubs this weekend in what is also Past Players day at Galvin Park and also the Anniversary of both the 1989 and 1999 Premiership sides. Centrals will also be conducting a Call to Arms day for Cancer Research and everyone is asked to be involved and assist us raise awareness of mens cancer.
Last Modified on 11/07/2009 23:11