By Liam Twomey
WERRIBEE Centrals suffered a disappointing loss to Bannockburn on Saturday in the Geelong and District Football League.
The Tigers capitalised on a flat-footed Centrals outfit in the first quarter as they ran forward in numbers and kicked goals. They opened up an 11-point lead at the first break as Centrals struggled to get going.
In the second quarter Bannockburn kicked with the aid of a slight breeze and made the most of it. The Tigers kicked six goals and restricted Werribee to just two, extending their lead to 37 points at half time.
Werribee rang the changes as the second half got under way. Full back Shaun Simmons was swung to full forward and David Hall was moved to the half-back line. The moves initially seemed to work as Centrals hit back with two early goals.
However, Bannockburn was again able to pull away and increase the lead to 43 points heading into the last quarter.
Despite all looking lost a spirited Centrals outfit emerged from the three quarter time huddle to play the style of football everyone in the GDFL has come to expect from them.
They were able to close the margin to 15 points but ran out of time to reel in their opponent any further.
Bannockburn’s Aaron Eddy proved to be the difference between the sides, booting nine goals in 15.15 (105) to 13.12 (90) win.
Simon Calbert and Tobi Bray were the best for the Centrals in the defeat.
Werribee now begins preparations for a clash against North Geelong on Saturday and need to win if it wants to remain in third place on the ladder.
The news didn’t get any better for Werribee in the reserves match, going down to Bannockburn by 58 points.
The Tigers hit the front early and were never challenged in the 14.9 (93) to 6.5 (41) victory.
