By LIAM TWOMEY
THE Werribee Tigers flexed their muscles in the Victorian Football League on Sunday, smashing Bendigo by 83 points.
The Tigers didn’t have everything their own way though and were forced to work hard against a fired-up Gold outfit in the first quarter.
Bendigo kicked the opening goal of the match and the two teams continued to trade blows in front of the big sticks.
At the quarter-time break it was Bendigo that had its nose in front, leading by seven points.
However, from there the Tigers clicked into gear.
Werribee took control of the match all over the ground, quickly reeling in the deficit and then streaking away.
Consecutive goals to Ben Speight, Jye Bolton, Trent Shinners, Mason Wood and Ben Warren turned the seven-point margin into a 27-point lead late in the second quarter.
Despite a more competitive showing from Bendigo in the third quarter, Werribee always looking in control of the match before a barrage of final term goals put the result beyond doubt.
The Tigers combined for 10 majors in the last quarter to seal the 83-point win, 24.13 (157) to 11.8 (74).
Sunday’s game was originally meant to be played at Werribee’s home ground at Avalon Airport Oval however, the ground and in particular the centre wicket area, was deemed by AFL Victoria and the Werribee Football Club as unsuitable for play.
Speaking last week, Werribee CEO Mark Penaluna was disappointed the club’s first home game of the season had to be moved.
“The start of any season is filled with expectation and excitement and we were looking forward to hosting our first home game here on Saturday against Bendigo Gold,” he said.
“Unfortunately with the Werribee Cricket Club second XI hosting the grand final, work on the ground to prepare it for football began later than normal, and it has not responded well enough to be in the appropriate condition to play this weekend.
“We are disappointed for our players and coaches and for our supporters and sponsors.”
Werribee will play its next home game on Saturday 26 April under lights against the Northern Blues.
Elsewhere in the VFL, Williamstown secured its first win as a stand-alone club, defeating Footscray.
