Local Footy: CYs work hard to secure double chance

SENIORS

OLD WESTBOURNE    2.6    3.6       9.6      10.8-68

WILLIAMSTOWN        2.7    4.12    4.20    11.24-90

OLD WESTBOURNE

Goal Kickers: D. Sidwell 3, P. Hudson 2, R. Taylor 2, D. Lockwood, B. Connors, C. Hunter
Best Players: D. Lockwood, P. Hudson, B. Connors, O. Hickey, M. Aquilina, F. Pavez

WILLIAMSTOWN

Goal Kickers: B. Gray 3, C. Elliott 2, Z. Read 2, R. Cassidy 2, J. Wong, B. Lethborg
Best Players: B. Gray, A. McKay, R. Cassidy, T. Wheeler, W. Cooper, B. Lethborg

Williamstown CYMS secured a berth in the second semi final of the VAFA Section D2 competition when they prevailed against a persistent Old Westbourne on Saturday. Played in fierce crosswind conditions at Old Westbourne, the CYs were made to work very hard for the four points and the coveted top two finish. Williamstown will now play the second semi-final against arch rivals Peninsula Old Boys next Saturday at Central Reserve, Glen Waverley.

Williamstown seemed to have a low scoring game well in hand coming up to the half time break, but a late goal by the home side saw them close the gap to just 12 points at the main break. The third quarter saw a transformation in the game as Old Westbourne, taking advantage of local knowledge, were able to pile on six goals straight for the term to lead by 16 points at the last change of ends. Williamstown, who had only kicked 4 goals from 24 scoring shots for the first three quarters, found the range at the start of the final term and were able to close the gap and then go 4 points up with three quick goals. But when the home team steered through their first goal for the quarter (and 8th without a miss from quarter time) they led by 2 points with 15 minutes remaining. The CYs were not to be denied however, and with their forwards taking control in the air, they scored the last four goals of the game to run out victors by 22 points.

In a hard fought game Ben Gray was the CYs best player, particularly when moved into the ruck in the last quarter. His strong marking and mobility caused the opposition ruckmen a lot of problems and he was able to push forward to finish with three goals to top off a very good game in conditions that didn’t suit. Andrew McKay continued his fine recent form with another very resolute and effective game across half back. Ross Cassidy once again showed what a valuable asset he has been since joining the club mid-season and his strength and marking ability were key factors in the CYs last term revival. Tim Wheeler, back after injury, battled hard all day up forward and as a loose man in defence and really came into his own when shifted to the midfield in the last quarter. Will Cooper was another that was able to shift into a higher gear when needed and Brett Lethborg continued his recent improvement in form with a tireless effort in attack.

RESERVES

WILLIAMSTOWN        0.1    3.2    9.3    11.6-72

OLD WESTBOURNE    2.1    4.4    5.6    6.10-46

WILLIAMSTOWN

Goal Kickers: C. Mathews 4, S. Barlow 2, M. Carland 2, M. Tennant, D. Elias, J. Munro, N. Baskharon
Best Players: C. Mathews, C. McCracken, C. Winks, M. Tennant, M. Carland, N. Baskharon

In the reserves game Williamstown denied Old Westbourne a place in the final four when they came from behind to defeat them by 26 points on Saturday. Late into the second term Old Westbourne looked like they were finals bound when they led a goalless and flustered Williamstown combination by over four goals. However the CYs finally started to come to grips with the conditions and were able to kick three quick goals against the run of play to be only 8 points down at the main break. This trend continued in the third term when Williamstown were able to gain the decisive break for the game by kicking 6 goals to one to lead by twenty one points into the last term. With both teams tiring in the extremely windy crosswind conditions, the visitors added another two goals to one in the last quarter to record a sound 26 point win over a determined opposition. Williamstown were well served by elusive small forward Chris Mathews, who used all of his experience to snag 4 very valuable goals in a low scoring match. Cody McCracken continued to put his name forward for senior selection with another strong and aggressive performance in the ruck. Chris Winks continued to improve with another good solid performance at full back. Matthew Tennant worked very hard at centre half forward and Matty Carland and Nick Baskharon won plenty of the ball at ground level with hard running and aggressive tackling.