The first quarter saw the Scorpions come out of the blocks hard, the midfield was working overtime to pump the ball inside 50, and despite loose numbers back from the Devils they were able to convert kicking 6 majors for the quarter. Ben Fraser was enjoying some space and freedom and Chris Dunne was lively early. At quarter time the Scorpions seemed to have the game in control and went in with an 11 point lead.

Casey       6.1. 37
Tasmania  4.2. 26

the second quarter saw the Devils close down our midfield ascendancy at the stoppages. Andrew McQualter, after two consecutive Best on Ground performances was being watched closely by his Devils opponents and this quarter the Scorpions struggled to hit their targets going forward while adjusting to the Devils play. Chris Dunne, after being pivotal early, came off injured, and failed to return for the game; he was causing all sorts of headaches for the opposition and already had 2 goals to his name playing on the half forward flank and the wing. Robert Eddy was still pushing himself to the limit in the middle of the ground, but the Scorpions were unable to slow the Devils for the term, and as a result could only kick 1 goal to the Devils 5 and went into the main break down by 10 points.

Casey       7.5. 47
Tasmania  9.3. 57

The third term saw the Scorpions start slow, as they struggled to gain momentum against the Tasmanian crowd. Raphael Clarke was having his best game for the season and played predominantly at centre half forward and in the guts, breaking away from his traditional half back flank. As the quarter wore on, the Scorpions started to look more dangerous, however failed to convert opportunities. Aaron Fiora started finding his trademark run and shots at goal finding plenty of the ball accross half forward, but missed on three occasions leading into three quarter time.

Casey         10.10. 70
Tasmania    13. 8. 86

After the break we saw a strong last effort from the Scorpions as they tried to put the score on the board. Ben McEvoy again impressed being the sole ruckman in the side, and having rucking duties for most of the day. He is showing maturity well beyond his age and is a big future prospect for St. Kilda. Alex Silvagni was again providing a chop out and was making a big impact when put into the middle adding a strong body over the footy and some athletism around the ground. He had another good game playing down back for most of the game as well, and Ryan Creed was providing some good fresh legs in a range of roles up forward and through the midfield. Mathew Ferguson again showed his versatility and was swung forward on occasions finishing with two goals, however it wasn't enough as the Devils eventually held the Scorpions off to run out 19 point winners. Raphael Clarke won the Best on Ground ANZAC day medal for the Scorpions side, as selected by the coaching panel and will no doubt be pushing for St. Kilda selection.

Casey       13.14.  92
Tasmania   17.9. 111 

There were some positives to come out of the game for the young Scorpions side, which no doubt will benefit from the experience. Captain Kyle Mathews and his deputy Steve O'Bryan both got through their first game of the season unscaved, and will only improve from here. And the team now knows what is required on a regular basis.

The Scorpions now have a bye as part of the first split round for the season, before hosting the Bullants at Casey Fields on mothers day, Sunday the 11th of May. Be sure to check our events page for details on the special luncheon and get along to support the Scorps! Contact Sally at the club to book your spot!

Casey Scorpions
Goal Kickers: M. Ferguson 2, B. Fraser 2, C. Dunne 2, R. Clarke 2, A. Fiora, A. McQualter, J. Taylor, B. Howard, J. Steven
Best Players: R. Clarke, R. Eddy, A. Silvagni, R. Creed, J. Gwilt, B. McEvoy

Tasmania
Goal Kickers: A. Cornelius 4, N. Street 3, B. Setchell 2, J. Hardy 2, J. Charlesworth 2, A. Bielski 2, C. Thurley, A. Gilmour
Best Players: J. Charlesworth, N. Street, C. Thurley, J. Vearing, R. Long, B. Savage

The reserves side had the week off as Tasmania don't field a reserves side.

beware the STING!