VFL Tigers win five in-a-rowrichmondfc.com.au
16 July 2017Richmond 25.13-163 def Werribee 9.7-61The VFL Tigers recorded their fifth consecutive victory in emphatic style on Saturday, defeating Werribee by 102 points in a clinical performance at Frankston Oval.
After an eight-goal opening term set the pace for Richmond VFL, the bombardment continued in the second quarter, while a stingy-stiff defensive display limited their Tiger namesakes to three goals by half-time.
Shai Bolton kicked five goals in his most impressive VFL performance to date, while contested-ball bull Tom Silvestro was among the best with his 35 disposals, seven tackles and two clearances.
Ben Lennon was instrumental on his return with a haul of four majors, while fellow returnee Ben Griffiths also made his mark on the contest, playing the first half of the clash and finishing with two goals.
Richmond VFL and development coach Craig McRae said his side imposed itself on various facets of the game to see off the top eight rival.
“We started the game really well, and managed eight goals in the first quarter off the back of straight kicking,” McRae said.
“But our relentless attack of the ball and the man was a real highlight. Contested possessions were rarely in their favour.
“We also managed to keep another opponent under 10 goals, so our defensive formula has been working for us.”
With both sides knowing victory in Frankston could seal a place in the top four, the match saw a cagey opening, until Werribee was rewarded for its persistence with the opening goal.
That kicked the Tigers' two dangerous small forwards into action, and moments later, the deadly duo of Bolton and Tyson Stengle had the VFL Tigers out to a four-goal lead.
Stengle was in inspired form early, nailing his first after some good build-up play with Callum Moore and Taylor Hunt, and then turned provider for Bolton, who secured the first of his haul with a trademark snap from close range.
Both small forwards then added another each, prompting some extra attention from Werribee’s reeling defensive unit.
However, this left plenty of room for Griffiths to operate in, and the returning big man lowered his eyes expertly with his first touch to hit Lennon on the chest 35 metres out.
The resulting goal from the VFL Tigers’ leading goal kicker sent the travelling Tiger faithful into raptures, and after Shaun Mannagh added his first goal at VFL level to the mix, the lead had extended to six goals by quarter time.
However, not content with taking the pressure off, the VFL Tigers maintained the intensity in the second quarter, opening up a 76-point buffer by the half-time siren.
Mabior Chol continued his impressive transition into the defensive half, recording three marks and providing pinpoint accuracy playing out of the backline.
His presence at the back was greatly aided by the midfield engine of Silvestro, Jacob Townsend and Jack Graham, who between them amassed 15 tackles to the half as they relentlessly worked back to play their part in defence.
Gaining the ascendancy in contested possessions 164-122, the sheer intensity of the performance was only topped when the returning Griffiths produced two moments of class to register his first goals for the Club since his last appearance against Sandringham in Round 2.
After being picked out by Mannagh’s pass, Griffiths made no mistake with an emphatic set shot from 55 metres out, much to the delight of both players and supporters.
He then dribbled home a second moments later, sealing a memorable impact on the contest before being rested for the second half.
He was unfortunately joined by young Tiger Jack Graham, whose suspected sprained ankle prevented him from adding to his 22 disposals, eight clearances and six tackles.
Although the VFL Tigers were slightly shorter on personnel in the second half, the quality of their performance did not waiver as they marched on to break the 100-point margin of victory for the second time this season, after their big victory over North Ballarat in Round 1.
After being kept well in the first half, Ryan Bathie finished strongly with three goals, while Brandon Wood also added his name to the eventual 12 individual goalkickers Richmond VFL would account for over the day’s proceedings.
Bolton and Lennon added one more each in the shadows of three-quarter time, before repeating the feat moments after the final term began, rounding off impressive hauls for both.
Late goals for stand-in-skipper Jacob Ballard and the ever-reliable Jacob Townsend put the cherry on top of an immense team performance, one that could see the VFL Tigers remain in the top four, pending results from other matches.
The VFL Tigers will now look to make it six consecutive wins when they face Collingwood at the Swinburne Centre, Punt Road Oval next Sunday.
http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2017-07-15/round-12-vfl-match-report
