CASEY’S preparations for this weekend’s elimination final didn’t go to plan on Saturday, suffering a 51-point loss to Sandringham at Trevor Barker Beach Oval.
The Scorpions got the better start in the terrible conditions, but only managed two goals after quarter time, eventually going down 12.17 (89) to 5.8 (38).
Jay Kennedy-Harris got the visitors off to the perfect start when he took a couple of bounces and kicked truly from the forward pocket.
Tim Smith converted from a big contested mark for Casey’s second and Kennedy-Harris gave the Scorpions a three goal buffer when he kicked his second from close to 50 metres out.
Stoppage after stoppage was a key to the day with Casey laying 123 tackles across the afternoon while the home side laid 103.
The Zebras were able to take full control of the match after the first interval.
Matt Rennie kicked the only major for the Scorpions in the second term as the home side kicked five goals seven to take a 13-point lead into half time.
The Casey boys needed to lift in the third term but they were wayward in front of goal – registering one goal six for the term. Sandy, who was playing for a top two spot on the ladder, while the Scorpions couldn’t move from eighth, kicked three goals to extend their lead to 23 points by the three-quarter time siren.
In what was a rough finish to a forgettable day, Sandy ran away with the game kicking four more goals while the Scorpions failed to bother the scorers.
Kennedy-Harris was among the best for the Scorpions with two goals coming from his 16 disposals, 10 tackles and four inside 50s.
Rohan Bail gathered 21 touches and had 11 tackles while Dean Terlich had 20 possessions and five tackles.
Mitch White continued his run of recent form with 18 touches and seven tackles, with Jimmy Toumpas getting 16 touches and seven tackles.
Mark Jamar and Max King had seven and five touches respectively.
The Scorpions will have quickly turned their attention to this Sunday’s elimination final against Essendon at North Port Oval from 11.40am. The game will be broadcast on channel seven.
Click back to melbournefc.com.au for a full wrap from Casey coach Justin Plapp.
