DUNN AND DUSTED

[Demonland 73,140]

DUNN AND DUSTED by KC from Casey

The catalyst for the Casey Scorpions' seventh win of the season a scintillating third term, a period often called the "premiership quarter". The Scorpion push for victory was headed by key forward Lynden Dunn who booted eight goals for the match including three of the five unanswered goals scored after half time in the driving rain that inundated Casey Fields on Saturday afternoon.

The Hawks were desperate for a win to re-establish their place in the top eight and they jumped the Scorpions early in the game when the conditions of the day were at their best. The home side seemed a little disorganised at the start of proceedings playing one man short as they waited for the arrival of Kyle Cheney from emergency duties at the MCG. The problem was compounded when Michael Newton was forced out of the game with a calf injury. Box Hill held the ascendency at the first break by 13 points.

Casey lifted its game early in the term with Paul Johnson working hard in the ruck and McKenzie and Nicholls doing well at the stoppages. When Austin Wonaeamirri goaled the Scorpions had drawn to within a point. The Hillmen regained their composure and drew away with two goals and, as the game deteriorated into a bit of a slog in the worsening conditions it was clear that Casey had its work cut out for it. Thankfully, the accurate Dunn was around and when the lively Maric

kicked a goal it had drawn back to within five points. The dark clouds threatened more heavy rain as the visitors led by a goal at the main break.

Whatever Brad Gotch told his charges should have been bottled because they completely dominated the third quarter. The defence with McNamara, Joel McDonald, Stockdale and Panozza in complete control was impassable and when the ball went forward Dunn was sublime in front of goal. Glenn Chivers was also welcomed back after injury. By the three quarter time siren Casey was seemingly home and hosed with a 25-point lead as the rain drove down making the chances of a final quarter revival from the visitors look slim.

However, Box Hill would not be denied and it worked hard to make up the deficit. Twice during the final term the Hawks looked threatening as they got to within a little over two goals and twice it was Dunn who denied them with his seventh and eighth goal of the game. Acting skipper James Wall, who never lets his team down was leading his team with another inspirational performance and conditions suited James Taylor and his close checking play. The Scorpions had the game well in hand when a Box Hill goal on the siren reduced the margin back to 14 points.

Results elsewhere see Casey occupying second spot on the VFL ladder with a game coming up against early pace setters Sandringham at Casey Fields next Saturday.

HOW THE DEMONS FARED

Daniel Bell - had a tagging role on Box Hill's state representative midfielder Ed Curnow and was beaten on the day.

Kyle Cheney - didn't get to the ground until quarter time due to emergency duties and therefore played a bit over half a game. In the circumstances he performed very well in defence.

Lynden Dunn - kicked eight goals and made it look as if the conditions were dry all day.

Danny Hughes - made a strong contribution at half forward and combined well with Dunn. Missed a couple of shots early and kicked a goal himself.

Paul Johnson - played virtually a lone role working hard in the ruck winning his position in difficult conditions.

Stefan Martin - quiet.

Addam Maric - showed his versatility, got a lot of the ball and handled it well in the conditions.

Jordie McKenzie - did well at the stoppages and was one of his team's best in the midfield.

Joel Macdonald - worked hard playing mainly at half back.

Tom McNamara - very solid game in defence.

Michael Newton - injured early.

James Strauss - a reasonable performance in conditions that would not normally suit the young medium defender.

Austin Wonaeamirri - a relatively quiet day.

Casey Scorpions 2.2.14 6.4.40 11.7.73 13.9.87

Box Hill Hawks 4.3.27 7.4.46 7.6.48 11.7.73

Goals

Casey Scorpions Dunn 8 Chivers Hughes MacReadie Maric Wonaemirri

Box Hill Hawks Breust Suckling 3 Gibson 2 Curnow Muston

Smithwick

Best

Casey Scorpions Dunn Wall Johnson Macdonald Hughes McKenzie

Box Hill Hawks Suckling Curnow Andrews Pedersen Schoenmakers

Breust

The Casey Reserves set the tone for a big day for the club when they comfortably accounted for the previously undefeated Box Hill Hawks. David Bell was the Scorpions best in their biggest win for some time.

Casey Scorpions 4.3.27 5.4.34 6.7.43 9.10.64

Box Hill Hawks 1.4.10 1.5.11 2.8.20 2.10.22

Goals

Casey Scorpions Smith Waite 2 David Bell Cleven Fitzpatrick Purdy Sykes

Box Hill Hawks Johnston Lowden

Best

Casey Scorpions David Bell Hillberge L McDonald M Dowse Cleven Mohr

Box Hill Hawks Tobin Warby Tuck Sierakowski Walker Mirra