Williamstown was left to rue miss opportunities as they went down to the North Ballarat Roosters by 7 points in wet conditions at Burbank Oval on Sunday.
It was a determined effort from the young Seagulls side, who should have made more of their opportunities in the second quarter when they dominated possession and territory.
The Seagulls kicked 0.9 and missed the chance to take a strangle hold on the game going into the main break.
After half time the game was a scrap due to the consistent rain, with North Ballarat standing up defensively late in the game when the home side through everything at the visitors.
Despite the wet conditions, the game started at a quality level with both sides coming out of the blocks well, transferring the ball into their forward line.
Ben Cunnington, dropped from the Kangaroos side kicked 3 first quarter goals to help the Roosters on their way.
While up the other end Matthew Panos was looking equally dangerous kicking the first two goals for the Seagulls.
Accurate kicking from the Roosters saw them take a slender lead into the first change, kicking 4.0 to lead Williamstown by 5 points.
The Seagulls will be left to lament missed shots at goal in the second quarter with 9 consecutive behinds.
The home side dominated the quarter and led the inside 50 count 23 to 8 but a serious case of the goal kicking yips prevented the Seagulls from establishing a handy buffer at the main break.
The Seagulls appeared shot of confidence in front of goals, kicking 2.5 for the quarter compared to North Ballarat’s 3.1.
The match had turned into a slog given the conditions with contested ball critical.
Both teams had it all to play for heading into the last quarter, with a spot in the top 8 on the line for the victor.
The match ebbed and flowed with goals to Jason Tutt and Ed Carr keeping the home side within striking distance.
North Ballarat missed the chance late to put the game beyond doubt, but there was no time for the Seagulls from the resultant kick-in, leaving the home crowd disappointed and left to think what might have been had the team kicked straighter.
Next week the Seagulls face Collingwood at Burbank Oval, in a must win game for the Seagulls to keep in touch with the top 8.
Williamstown 3.1 3.10 5.15 9.16 (70)
North Ballarat 4.0 5.4 8.5 11.11 (77)
GOALS:
Williamstown: Tutt 3 Panos 2 McNamara Carr Mead Grant
BEST:
Williamstown: Wall Goodes McNamara Djerrkura Jolley Talia
