Centrals Reserves knew this was the last roll of the dice for season 2009 in the GDFL First Semi Final and they needed to defeat a side who had beaten them just a few weeks ago in Bell Post Hill.
The Reserves were under pressure from the bounce as Bell Post Hill started smartly and put the Centrals defence under pressure immediately but they held up well and it was a mark to Nathan Reschke at full forward which gave Centrals the first goal of the game. Bell Post Hill continued to attack saw two goals to them but a late mark and a goal to Jared Robinson after the siren saw the game level at the first change.
Bell Post Hill kicked the first two goals of the second quarter as they were far more desperate and playing finals footy. Centrals backline led by Shaun Wickens and Jace Walters tried hard to stem the tide along with Dale Evans & Joe Pace.
By three quarter time Centrals were five goals behind and looking at a big defeat. Coach Shaun Stewart asked them to give it everything and attack at all costs. Defense does not win games. This they did and it was great to see players run lines and put holes in Bell Post Hills defense and with two goals to Luke Aquilina Centrals were back in the game. Chances went begging with three and four misses at goal and Centrals keeping Bell Post out at the other end. It was good footy to watch but far too little to late as time ran out and Centrals missed the preliminary final by 10 points.
Final Scores:- Werribee Centrals 5.8 - 38 to Bell Post Hill 7.6 - 48
Goal Kickers:- L Aquilina 2, N Reschke, J Robinson & M Deluca 1 each.
Best Players:- J Walters, J Pace, N Reschke, D Evans, S Wickens, K Grixti & L Aquilina.
The U 18 game against undefeated North Geelong was a non contest from about the ten minute mark of the first quarter as the much stronger North side steamrolled Centrals but we live to fight another day and must play Bannockburn next week for a chance to play off in the Grand Final.
Final Scores:- Werribee Centrals 1.5 - 11 to North Geelong 11.8 – 74
Goal Kickers:- J Morrell 1.
Best Players:- A Hamilton, R Dougherty, L Painter, S Wilson, D Gamble & J Williams.
On Saturday its Preliminary Final Day and Centrals will have U 18s and B, C & D Netballers all playing. We also have the booth for the day so we need volunteers to man it for the afternoon. See Shane Grigg for details.
Last Modified on 31/08/2009 09:54