A dominant final term display by Williamstown has seen them defeat a determined North Ballarat Roosters outfit by 19 points at the weekend.
In a match that ebbed and flowed right from the outset, the Seagulls kept North Ballarat scoreless in the fourth quarter to run away 10.12 (72) to 8.5 (53) winners.
It was an important win for Williamstown, who now hang onto fourth position on the table and are all but assured an all-important double chance with finals just a fortnight away.
With a strong crosswind blowing across Eureka Stadium coupled with rain, run and carry was the theme of the day, with both teams struggling to hit targets by foot given the conditions.
Only one-point separated both teams at quarter-time with the Roosters taking the slight advantage, as they were able to settle into the match quicker than their Seagulls counterparts.
The second term concluded in much the same fashion, with plenty of stoppages occurring as the wind continued to push kicks to the boundary in general play.
Some brilliance from Anthony Anastasio in the middle of the ground that set up a Nathan Hrovat goal was the highlight of the quarter, however the Roosters would still take a four-point lead into the main break.
Both teams once again struggled to gain the ascendancy in the third term, but some late quarter heroics again from Anastasio kept Williamstown in touch at three-quarter time, where they trailed by just nine points.
The final quarter however would be all Seagulls, as they crushed their opponents at the stoppages around the ground, largely thanks to Cameron Wood’s dominance in the ruck giving the Williamstown midfielders first use.
Two final quarter goals to Liam Jones helped guide Williamstown to victory on a day that did not suit key forwards, while defenders Lukas Markovic and Cameron Lockwood were their consistent selves, beating their opponents and playing an attacking brand of football on the rebound.
Such was the pressure from Williamstown in the final term, North Ballarat struggled to get any inside 50 entries and were held scoreless for the entire quarter.
The Seagulls now host the Northern Blues on Saturday, in what will be the club’s final home game of the season at Burbank Oval.
Final Score
Williamstown: 10.12 (72) defeated North Ballarat: 8.5 (53)
Goal Kickers: L. Jones 3, A. Anastasio 3, C. Howard , C. Lockwood , N. Hrovat , J. McNamara
Best Players: L. Markovic, C. Wood, A. Anastasio, J. MacRae, C. Lockwood, L. Jones
Development League
In the Development League, the Seagulls continued their winning ways, cementing their top of the ladder position with a 33-point win over North Ballarat at the weekend.
Williamstown led at every change to record win number 15 of the season, winning 8.19 (67) to 5.4 (34) despite a goalless final term.
While they are assured of top position on the ladder, the Seagulls will be looking to put in a strong performance in front of their home fans at Burbank Oval for the last time this season, when they face the Northern Blues on Saturday.
Final Score
Williamstown: 8.19 (67) defeated North Ballarat: 5.4 (34)
Goal Kickers: D. Conway 2, A. Gallucci , D. Hoghton , C. Nastasi , S. Deery , A. Greenwood , J. Polizzi
Best Players: J. Charleston, L. Masters, A. Greenwood, N. Giles, D. Hoghton, J. Dorgan
