WIMMERA Football League has produced a strong win over Bellarine in the Worksafe Country Championships, by playing tough, relentless football.
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After the first centre bounce it was obvious both teams were there to play as bodies hit and hit hard.
No team was able to clear the ball so the umpires were forced to throw the ball up for a second time.
It took more than half the first term for either team to break through for a goal and it Wimmera who drew first blood.
Horsham Saint's Sam Jasper used his foot speed to give himself some rare space to kick the first goal.
Jasper continued to set the tone for the remainder of the match as he broke lines and gave Wimmera a much needed spark.
Ararat's Beau Cosson was the only other goalkicker for Wimmera in the first quarter kicking two goals.
The shackles were loosened in the second term as both teams found it easier to kicked goals.
Fifteen majors were kicked for the quarter none better than Stawell's David Morris who saluted after he ran into an open goal on the half time siren.
The goal from Morris gave Wimmera a two point advantage.
Wimmera extended their lead to 19 points at the final change.
Coach Louie Dalziel said the third quarter was what broke down their opponents and even though they fought back the game was finished.
"Both coaches got together and said which ever team breaks first will lose," Dalziel said.
"We really broke their back in that third quarter. We were hard at it from start to finish and it was too much for them.
Cosson and Dimboola's Ashley Clugston shared bragging rights in the forward line with five goals each, while Mitchell Day was a handful for the Wimmera's defence.
Ararat's Justin Chilver was pushed back on Day and did the job earning himself a spot in the best.
Other players that were in the best including Stawell's Scott Driscoll, and Jasper who won the Worksafe medal for best on ground.
Dalziel was pleased overall with the game and his players.
"We are pleased with everyone's effort," Dalziel said.
"Not just today, but for the last six weeks since the season started.
"We identified the game plan that would work and they stuck to it and did an excellent job."
The game plan was to apply maximum pressure across the ground for four quarters and Wimmera were able to achieve that.
"We really didn't have a passenger for the day," Dalziel said.
"There were players who were outstanding, but everyone certainly contributed.
Stawell's Morris and Brad Thomas were not named in the best, but were praised for their game and professionalism.
Wimmera ran out winners 17.13.115 to Bellarine 15.8.98.