CASEY has lost to Frankston by six points, in what turned out to be a thrilling encounter at Casey Fields on Saturday.

The Scorpions again squandered a healthy early lead, and in the end were overcome by Frankston’s intensity and pressure on the ball, which Casey failed to match.

On what was an overcast but rain-free day at Casey Fields, the Scorpions got off to a flying start, dominating possession and scoring the opening four goals of the game through Max Gawn (two goals), Matt Jones and Casey-listed Angus Scott.

Casey’s run and carry game was troubling the Dolphins, and in what coach Rohan Welsh declared as the team’s best quarter for the year, the Scorpions were looking in good touch.

Frankston had its first after 23 minutes, but when Jake Best’s searching kick forward from 70 metres fortuitously bounced through for a goal, the Scorpions had a 26-point lead at the first change.

Casey’s intensity dropped almost immediately however as the second term began. Frankston moved the ball through the midfield with ease, and took its opportunities when it went forward.

The Dolphins booted four goals in the first 12 minutes of the quarter, putting the Casey defence under immense pressure.

Will Petropolous was able to kick a steadying late goal for the Scorpions, but when Frankston scored the last, in what was a dominant term for the Dolphins, the margin was reduced to just two points.

Frankston was in the lead for the first time soon after the main break, booting the opening goal of the half, with Casey’s skills beginning to let them down, particularly across half-back.

The lead went back and forth with a second Petropolous goal flanked by Dolphin majors.

Casey began to wrestle back control of the contest in the latter part of the term, and was rewarded with goals to Scott and Jack Fitzpatrick, giving the Scorpions a 12-point buffer going in to the final term.

Pressure was – again – immediately placed on Casey when Frankston had the first goal of the last within 30-seconds. Casey responded, however, with goals to Mitch Clisby and Gawn taking the lead to what appeared to be a comfortable 17 points.

Frankston refused to stop fighting, however, and with two quick goals had the margin back within a kick midway through the term.

Gawn, with his fourth goal, gave Casey some brief relief, however when Frankston scored at the 26 and 28-minute marks, they stole and lead and came away six-point victors.

After what was a very promising start, the Scorpions were unable to maintain their pressure and intensity through the midfield, allowing the Dolphins to enter into their forward half far too easily, and they took their chances when they came.

Gawn was the best player on the ground. He worked incredibly hard across the ground, taking 12 marks to go with his 22 touches and four goals and would be knocking on the door for senior team selection.

James Strauss and Daniel Nicholson were both prolific across half-back, generating run from defence and giving their forwards opportunities. Strauss had 33 touches and used the ball well, while Nicholson with 40 disposals and five tackles worked hard.

Matt Jones with 33 touches, eight tackles and a goal made the most of his return to Casey, while Clisby with 25 touches and Viv Michie with 23 were both good performers on the day.

The Scorpions have the week off with the bye next week, before they return to Casey Fields on August 2nd to face the Northern Blues.