THE Scorpions took on the undefeated top side North Ballarat, strengthened by the inclusion of Saverio Rocca from the Kangaroos. The visitors got an impressive start but could not convert their opportunities and kicked 1.4 in the first quarter (two shots hit the post).
The Scorpions continually outplayed North Ballarat, however they could not convert their opportunities in front of goal and were unable to stop the manmountain Rocca, who managed to kick seven goals straight. Rocca proved to be the difference between the two sides and enabled the Roosters to steal back the lead at the 20minute mark of the last term.
Although the Scorpions had more shots at goal, they were unable to adjust to the windy conditions. Local Casey residents David Biagi and Marcel Bruin were again among the best, while young Saint Justin Sweeney kicked four goals and Mark McGough collected 35 possessions.
Scores: North Ballarat 13.9.87 d Casey Scorpions 10.14.74.
Best: Sweeney, Ferguson, Fisher, Biagi, McGough.
RESERVES
With the early game starting at 10.20am due to the ABC’s television broadcast of the senior game, the reserves were faced with an early trip up the highway to Ballarat, where they found a cold, wet and windswept arena. After controlling the tempo for most of the game, North Ballarat broke free to kick five unanswered goal in about eight minutes of football. These eight minutes proved to be the difference between the two sides, as the North Ballarat side broke through to win by 31 points and register their first win for the season.
Scores: North Ballarat 12.13.85 d Casey Scorpions 7.12.54
Best: Mercoulia, Pfitzner, Kennedy, O’Bryan, Boyd, B. Carmody
