PORT SIDE SMASHED by K C from Casey

The Casey Scorpions overcame wet and greasy conditions and a persistent opponent in Port Melbourne to remain perched on top of the VFL ladder as the halfway mark of the season approaches. The 35 point win over the Borough was by no means convincing but it was a testament to the superior fitness and a determined final quarter effort that has characterized the team's season to date.

Casey dominated the opening term and though wasteful in front of goals, it held a handy 15 point lead at quarter time. Port scored its first goal of the match early in the second term but the Scorps maintained their grip on the game and their inaccuracy until an unexpected burst of three goals from the visitors saw them grab the lead in the shadows of half time.

The condition were dark and grey and the home side was far from convincing after the main break with the Borough scoring the first goal to make it four on end and threatening to take control of the game. A few individual efforts from the Scorps kept them in the game but when Port kicked successive goals to go to an eight point lead, the danger signals were out. A late goal against the flow saw them go into the final huddle three points in arrears and with a real game in their hands.

Coach Justin Plapp's call to arms got the desired result as his charges took a stranglehold on the game with an emphatic six goals three behinds to a solitary point in the next half hour. Fittingly, it was two of the day's dominant players, one small and one tall, who each scored two goals that drove the momentum in their team's favour. Ben Kennedy who was busy all day and started with fourteen touches on the way to a 30 possession and three goal game showed that he was up to taking on his old club in the coming Queens Birthday Blockbuster while Port had no answer to big Jake Spencer in the ruck and he drove the nail into the coffin with those strong goals in the last.In the end Port was smashed.

Other Demon listed players to impress were midfielders Ben Newton and Viv Michie while Jack Grimes' experience around the ground was invaluable. The Scorps were well served by skipper Jack Hutchins and promising Declan Keilty in defence and unearthed another youngster in second-gamer Dylan Collis. 

If there was a dark cloud on the horizon it was the injury to Lynden Dunn who left the field early with what appeared to be a hamstring injury.

Casey comes up next against an improving Collingwood in what has become a traditional game on the Saturday of Queens Birthday weekend. The Magpies sit in fifth spot on the ladder and that must have been behind the decision of the Seven Network to televise the game - Casey's first for the season. 

Casey Scorpions 2.6.18 3.9.27 6.11.47 12.14.86

Port Melbourne 0.3.3 4.4.28 7.8.50 7.9.51

Goals 

Casey Scorpions Kennedy 3 Hulett Spencer Terlich 2 Michie Pattison Weideman 

Port Melbourne Scipione 4 Sandilands 2 Rivett

Best

Casey Scorpions Kennedy Hutchins Keilty Spencer Hulett Michie

Port Melbourne Crocker Haretuku, Mascitti Sandilands Dickson L Tynan

Casey Scorpions   2.3.15 5.6.36 10.8.68 14.11.95 

Port Melbourne   2.1.13 7.3.45 13.8.86 18.8.116 

Goals

Casey Scorpions Baker 3 Freeman Wilson 2 Ambler Briggs Cotte Lovett McInerney MacHaya Muir

Port Melbourne Hogan 6 Beddison 3 Toman Williams 2 Hogan Osborne Pearson Spencer Urban

Best 

Casey Scorpions Daniel Johnston Moncrieff Lovett Muir Wilson McInerney

Port Melbourne Toman Spencer Urban Hogan Osborne Beddison