Vic Country will take enormous confidence into their match with Vic Metro on Wednesday night after defeating Western Australia on Friday as Toby Prime reports.
Country built on their lead at every change, in the end running out comprehensive 49-point winners 12.13 (85) to 5.6 (36).
Clay Smith was a star for Country with clean possession the highlight of his game, while Devon Smith, Sam Docherty and Coleman Schache were pivotal in defense with their rebound out of 50 crucial.
The first term was a tight affair with Country kicking the first two goals before Western Australia hit back to tie scores up with five minutes left in the term.
A late goal to Country gave them the advantage on the scoreboard, leading by one kick at the first change.
The second term saw Country move the ball with precision and pace through the middle of Skilled Stadium basked in sunlight.
Geelong Falcons captain Taylor Adams started to become influential in the contest with his clearance work impressive for Country.
At half time, Country had stretched their lead to 17 points kicking four goals to two in the second term.
Emotion started getting high in the third term with spotfires breaking out on the ground.
Halfway through the third term, Country had extended their lead to 33 points with Western Australia wasteful with their forward 50 entries.
On the three-quarter time siren emotions flowed over, but the scoreboard saw Country with a 28-point lead heading into the final quarter.
Country were able to hold Western Australia goalless in the final term as Country kicked 3.5 to score their most impressive victory of the championships to date.
A damning stat for Western Australia was their inability to find a target inside their forward 50, with Country taking 16 marks inside their 50 compared to the visitors four.
Country coach will be hoping for a similar performance on Wednesday night when they face favourites Vic Metro at Etihad Stadium, while Western Australia face South Australia.
Vic Country 3.1 7.2 9.8 12.13 (85)
Western Australia 2.1 4.3 5.4 5.6 (36)
Goals:
Vic Country: Whitfield 3, O’Brien 2, Whitfield 2, Adams, C.Smith, Pongragic, Crouch, O’Hanlon, Ross
Western Australia: O’Meara 2, Yarran 2, Schloithe
Best:
Country: Docherty, Schache, C. Smith, Pongragic, O’Hanlon, Kelly
WA: Schloithe, Jupp, Nelson, Bulger, Eardley
Last Modified on 04/07/2011 17:53