SCORPIONS v SEAGULLS by KC from Casey

[Demonland 64,361]

After a bright start in their third practice match for the season, Casey Scorpions fell away badly in the face of a withering six-goal final quarter by stand alone Williamstown to lose by 25 points at Casey Fields.

Conditions were perfect for football. The skies were cloudy but it was a windless day (an unusual feature out at Casey) but both clubs struggled to hit the scoreboard. It was the visitors who drew first blood but the Scorpions with 19-year-old Melbourne recruit Angus Brayshaw a standout in the midfield, were playing the better football and took the initiative to lead by seven points at the first break. Their first goal came from the youngster's boot after a great smother and the second from centre half forward Tim Smith.

Casey continued to dominate, scoring the opening goal of the second term before giving one away courtesy of a 50 metre penalty. Jay Kennedy-Harris was playing well on a wing and when he snapped truly the home side looked well in control. Skipper Evan Panozza was strong in defence and he had a handy ally back there in Jake Fitzpatrick. Bernie Vince was solid in his comeback game after shoulder and hamstring problems and Aidan Riley, another player in comeback mode, was playing strongly. Melbourne's Canberra recruit Aaron vandenBerg is a big unit and was showing out with some good team play.

A change came over the game late in the quarter with the Seagulls peppering the goals but only scoring points until a breakthrough saw them head into the rooms at half time only two points in arrears.

The Scorpions went into the game without a much ruck strength and were undone in this area after half time. Their opponents got on top through more direct play, better run and carry and good delivery to their tall players who held front position to good effect. However, just as the Seagulls threatened to take the game apart, some individual brilliance from Brayshaw and Kennedy-Harris saw the Scorps retake the lead by a solitary point at the final break.

It was all Casey when the final quarter started with a Smith goal and a miss to Dean Kent who had been lively up to that point. At the five minute mark of the term, a Williamstown goal heralded the game's final turn - it was the first of four consecutive Seagull majors and suddenly, the game was all over as a contest. Fitzpatrick, who had started the term in the forward line was despatched down back but it was too late.

Brayshaw continued to show his class all day whether in midfield or up forward and gathered 26 disposals for the day. Fellow midfielder Viv Michie started slowly but finished with 21 possessions and six tackles in a solid display.

It was also a good hit out for the many inexperienced newcomers at Casey this year with Berwick recruit Jake Gains and up and comer Bryce Rutherford showing out. Assistant coach Shannon Byrnes is yet to play a practice match and another experienced VFL small man Will Petropoulos was listed in the development league team.

The Casey Scorpions play Collingwood VFL next Saturday at Olympic Park at 10:30am leaving enough time for Demon fans to cross the bridge to watch the AFL season opener against the Gold Coast Suns.

Casey Scorpions 2.4.16 4.4.28 6.7.43 8.8.56

Williamstown 1.3.9 3.8.26 5.12.42 11.15.81

Goals Brayshaw Kennedy-Harris Smith 2 Gawley King

Best Brayshaw Kennedy-Harris Michie Kent Gains Rutherford

The Development League team had a solid win over Williamstown, 12.4.76 to 5.10.40.