Williamstown made one change to the side which lost its first game for the season to reigning premiers Geelong last week – highly regarded Bulldog Tom Williams returned from injury to replace Kane McKenzie.

 

Williamstown played the unbeaten top side North Ballarat in a game which would give a clear in indication of our top four aspirations.

 

 

Williamstown begun the game in bright fashion when Captain Brett Johnson handballed to Guy O’Keefe who snapped truly. Tall Forward Wayde Skipper was in great form early but inaccurately in front of foal was disappointing. Peter Street was continuing his fine form and David Stretton was picking up possessions at will. North Ballarat steadied and their tall key forwards Wundke and Smith were causing headaches for Seagulls Defenders Meyer, Everitt and Tiller. A North Ballarat goal after the siren gave them a 14 point lead at the first break.

 

Williamstown 3.6 (24) North Ballarat 6.2 (38)           

 

 

Williamstown were stung into action after North Ballarat kicked the opening two goals to extend their lead. Promising young Bulldog Callan Ward kicked consecutive goals within a minute and Wayde Skipper bombed a couple of long goals. Fellow forwards Galea and Grant added majors and up back Farren Ray, Steve Tiller and Jason Cloke were prominent. Tom Williams and Liam Picken were also very productive in this quarter.

 

Williamstown 10.8 (68)           North Ballarat 9.7 (61)           

 

 

Williamstown improved their work in centre clearances with Patrick Rose, Ben Jolley, Guy O’Keefe and Callan Ward beginning to capitalise on the ruckwork of Peter Street and Wayde Skipper. The Seagulls were bombarding the goals with Dean Galea hitting the post three times in a row before finally kicking truly. Peter Street then followed with a great goal but North Ballarat continued to hang tough and added late goals to only trail by 4 points at the last change. Williamstown after dominating the bulk of the quarter only kicked 3 goals 9 and knew the Roosters would finish strongly in the last quarter.

 

Williamstown   13.17 (95)          North Ballarat   13.13 (91)

 

 

The first ten minuets of the quarter was an arm wrestle with no goals kicked by either side. Williamstown finally scored with majors to Skipper, Galea, Grant and O’Keefe. Although North Ballarat small forward Garlett snapped 2 goals, Williamstown was able to control, play and run out 17 point victors.

 

Williamstown   17.21 (123)                       North Ballarat     15.16 (106)

 

Williamstown     3.6 10.8 13.17 17.21 (123)

North Ballarat    6.2 9.7  13.13 15.16 (106)

 

Goal kickers: Galea 3, Skipper 3,O”Keefe 3, Ward 3, Grant 2, Street 1,Picken 1,Stretton 1

 

Best players: O’Keefe, Ray, Skipper, Stretton, Tiller, Cloke

Williamstown Reserves continued their unbeaten run with a convincing 28point victory over North Ballarat in a high class Reserves game. The only downside was Paul O’Shea being carried off after landing awkwardly from a marking contest – but good news is that Paul is ok.

 

Williamstown 4.3 11.7 17.9 19.15 (129)

Nth Ballarat    6.5 11.9 14.9 15.11 (101)

 

Goalkickers: Little 7 Lyons 3 Lynch 3 Wood 2 Langlands 1 Cartelli 1 Boyd 1 Cook 1

 

Best Players: Lockwood, Little, Lyons, McKenzie, Wood, Boyd

 

Williamstown don’t play this week due to it being a Split Round. Our next home game is on the “Community Football Weekend” with our opponent the Sandringham Zebras on Sunday 11^th May.

 

As a tribute to “Community Football Weekend” admission at this game will be FREE. Both games should be of high quality with both Williamstown and Sandringham undefeated at Reserves level and both Senior teams sitting second and third on the ladder.

 

Guest Speaker at the President's Luncheon will be Jockey Brad Rawiller who has piloted champion 3-year-old 'Weekend Hussler' to his recent Group One victories. Price $40.00 per head.

 

Enquiries Brendan Curry / Trent Mosbey 9390 0611 - tmosbey@westernjets.asn.au