Casey flops in Hill climb

By Paul Pickering
OPPORTUNITY came knocking for the Casey Scorpions on Sunday, but then scurried away like a mischievous schoolboy prankster.
The Scorpions needed only to account for seventh-placed Box Hill to join Williamstown and North Ballarat on 12 wins for the season, following Saturday slip-ups from the ladder leaders.
But, after leading by 26 points at halftime, the visitors froze in icy conditions at Box Hill City Oval to go down by 11 points.
Casey looked well-placed to hold off the Hawks when torrential rain hit early in the third quarter, prompting a 10-minute stalemate as both sides struggled to come to terms with the conditions.
Box Hill’s Ben Fagan gave his side a sniff when he goaled late in the stanza, bringing the Hawks to within five points as they huddled up at the last change.
Scorpions coach Brad Gotch asked his charges to call upon the “belief, union and mateship” that has become their hallmark this season, but there was to be no stopping the hometown Hawks.
They drew first blood when Cam Pederson stole an errant handball from Scorpions defender Kyle Cheney and charged into an open goal to level the scores.
And the game was as good as over when Hawks opportunist Jayden Hoegel soccered the ball through for his fourth to put Box Hill two goals up approaching red time.
With that, the Scorpions effectively waved goodbye to any chance of a top-two finish. But it wasn’t all doom and gloom for the visitors.
Full-back Matthew Warnock was again brilliant in defence, almost single-handedly keeping the Hawks at bay during the first half.
Warnock towelled up Box Hill youngster Jordan Lisle and, when required, zoned off expertly to assist his teammates. He must be close to an AFL recall.
Boom midfield prospect Jack Trengove, who returned from a hip injury for his first game with the Scorpions, is unlikely to dwell in the VFL after a polished display. Trengove’s clean hands were a feature of the Scorpions’ impressive first half. He also kicked two classy running goals.
VFL-listers Ben MacReadie, James Wall, Danny Nicholls and Matt Fieldsend were determined, although the latter struggled with his disposal. Wall continues to defy his lanky frame by playing some of his best footy in the wet.
Meanwhile, young bull Luke Tapscott and experienced Demon Matthew Bate will be pressing for senior selection after productive outings against the Hawks.
Key forward Brad Miller was marginally out-pointed by Box Hill’s Ryan Schoenmakers, while Hawthorn prospects Beau Muston, Liam Shiels and Carl Peterson found plenty of the footy.
The Scorpions, who managed just one goal in the second half, will be looking to consolidate a top-four spot when they host the Gold Coast at Casey Fields on Saturday.