Casey keep in touch with top eight after win over Blues.

Casey Scorpions have kept in touch with the top eight with a hard-fought 16-point win over the Northern Blues in the wet at Visy Park in round six of the Peter Jackson VFL season. Leading by 26 points at half-time, the Scorpions had to withstand a Blue's fight back in the third term which saw the margin reduced to just eight points at the final change, before holding the home side goal less in the last to win 10.11.71 to 8.7.55.

In an important match for both sides the Scorpions began well with forward Tim Smith dominating with three first quarter goals to set up a seven point lead at the first change. The Blues found the going tough in the second term as Casey's midfield brigade of Jordan McKenzie, Luke Tapscott and ex-Docker Viv Michie gathered plenty of the footy while Smith continued to fire adding another two goals.

 At half-time the Scorpions had extended their lead beyond four goals with the greasy conditions making ball use difficult. The Blues were given a rev-up in the sheds from coach Luke Webster and they profited soon after the restart with the move of Jack Anthony forward as he found Tom Wilson close to goal.

 Blues skipper, Brent Bransgrove, playing his first game for the year, threw himself at everything and Cameron Wood was a winner in the ruck, helped largely by the injury to Casey bigman Jack Fitzpatrick in the second quarter. The Blues kicked three unanswered goals before Tapscott kicked the goal of the day when he squeezed one through from deep in the pocket at the Legends Stand end to break the Blue's momentum.

 Shortly after Wood capitalised on a Sam Blease kick across goal to have the Blues within two straight kicks at the final change. A calm Webster called for continued pressure from his charges and to limit the Scorpion's opportunities as the Blues fought to get back on the winners list.

 It took just over eleven minutes before a score was registered in the final quarter, a behind to Casey, as players tired and the shadows lengthened across Visy Park. The only goal for the quarter came deep into time-on from Casey's Jayden Hunt to snuff the Blues out after a dour struggle.

 Smith with five and Tapscott two were the major goal scorers for Casey Scorpions while Bransgrove and Wilson kicked two each for the Blues. Better players for Casey included McKenzie (32 disposals), Blease (30), Aiden Riley (27), and Smith, while for the Blues, Nick Graham (32), Jaryd Cachia (31), Bransgrove (16 and two goals), Anthony and Wood who won a record 83 hit outs, were among their best.

 The win leaves Casey just outside of the top eight on percentage while the Blues slip out after their third loss in a row. The Northern Blues have a chance to regroup with a bye in round seven while Casey Scorpions will fancy their chances away to Coburg.