IN what would be a very rare event in its history, Tarwin failed to score a goal on its home ground on Saturday. Such was the dominance of both Stony Creek’s on-ballers and its defence.
In pelting rain Stony Creek came out physically hard and denied Tarwin possession, the Sharks only picking 'up' one possession in the first six and a half minutes of the match. The physical tactic worked and seemed to set the Maroons up for the day although as the day wore on injuries would plague both sides. Stony’s centre half back Sigeti Matiya was brilliant all day taking many intercept marks. His performance was only bettered by teammate Darcy Atkins who picked up 30 possessions in the middle and a whopping 15 clearances. Stony welcomed back Brad Hutchinson, one of the generals of the backline, and he came through the match well after missing since early in the season. The Maroons also welcomed Rohan Baudinette for his first senior game; the sixth youngster debuted by the club so far this season.
Tarwin was missing key players Emmet Yourney and Troy Toussaint which would weaken the line-up going in. With the Lions going in with intent it was able to kick 2 .4 while keeping Tarwin to just one behind. Jackson Nolan, just turned 18, has already played 45 senior games and he again attacked the ball well for Stony. Paul Hinkley was battling hard for the Sharks as too was Reagan Maddaford. Jack Soroczynski was doing well across half back for Stony to keep Tarwin goalless again in term two as Stony Creek added one at half time. In terrible conditions it was Stony Creek 3.7 to Tarwin 0.2.
There was still time for the Sharks to come back as the scores were low but Stony had other ideas. The Sharks again failed to score at all as Stony edged a little ahead with another goal to lead by 31 points; there was no coming back from here for the Sharks. The Stony bench suffered in term three when Michael Milivojevic went down with a corky. To make matters worse Will Collins rolled an ankle and Kurt Newton hurt his knee. These three players didn’t return and Stony Creek had no bench. Despite this Tarwin could still not break through for that sought after goal. The Sharks were also having trouble with its bench and had a number of players go down; leaving it to battle with no bench and just 16 players. Travis Cameron suffered a head knock just before half time, Tommy Pastura had a suspected broken collarbone while Rob Brack came off with a leg injury.
Stony Creek had its biggest score of the match in term four to boot 4.4 to an injury plagued Tarwin’s no score to run out comfortable winners. Tarwin journeys to MDU this Saturday while Stony Creek is at home to Foster.