WFL - Stawell Westlift Warriors have claimed their first win in the 2014 Wimmera Football League season with an emphatic win over Nhill.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Stawell were overdue for their first victory after a solid hit out against arch rival Ararat and delivered with an impressive team performance.
Stawell played a cracking second quarter against the Rats which would have proved to themselves and their supporters they are capable of playing good football.
Warriors sharp kicking saw them three goals straight and holding a four point margin at the first break.
In the second quarter Stawell extended their lead by four goals with some impressive plays and some errors from the struggling Nhill.
The second term also marked the first occasion where Stawell would have to play wet weather football this season. Although not heavy the rain was consistent for the remainder of the game.
Going into the main break Stawell led by 20 points. Had the weather have been different 20 points would have seen Nhill still in the contest, but in the wet conditions a comeback seemed a faint possibility.
Brad Cassidy had called in professional trainer and motivator Steven Lewry.
"The boys really respect him after that camp held during pre-season," Cassidy said.
"It was just about letting them know they are capable of winning. 'Stoofa' was perfect for the job."
After the half time break Stawell put the jets on and didn't look back.
As the game looked to slip away from Nhill small spot fires became more common across the ground.
Former Warriors coach Tim Seymour began throwing his weight around firing the crowd up.
Tom Eckel was on the end of one heavy knock as was Liam Scott resulting in one free kick and one down field penalty.
Brenton Potter, who moved from down back to up forward was the beneficiary of several free kicks and he was named in the best players.
As the siren sounded there were scenes of jubilation for the home crowd and home team.
"It's just great for the whole group to get a win," Cassidy said.
"Now we just have to build from there and start looking into next week's game."
Warriors ran out the four quarters at a high intensity which was something they needed to improve on from the previous week.
There were no notable injuries for Warriors so they will look to take an unchanged winning line up to Warracknabeal this week.
The final score was Stawell 14.10.94 to Nhill 7.15.57. Best players were Tom Eckel, Cam Kimber, Jesse Eckel, Jackson Dark, Todd Cleary and Brenton Potter.
