A DISAPPOINTING second half from the Casey Scorpions has handed them their second consecutive loss on Saturday, this time to Port Melbourne at North Port Oval.
In fine conditions, the Scorpions could only manage three second half goals as the Borough ran away with a 23-point win, 10.15.75 to Casey's 7.10.52.
For the second week in a row the Scorpions were unable to register a goal in the opening quarter while the home side managed to open up an 11-point quarter time lead.
But the Scorpion's found another level after the first break, gaining the ascendancy throughout the second term.
Casey-listed Tom Muir kicked the sides first inside the opening minute and was followed up by VFL debutant Jordan Moncrieff.
Jordie McKenzie, who was finding plenty of the Sherrin around the ground, handed the Scorpions the lead in what was becoming a battle through the two sides midfields.
Playing his first VFL match of the year in an attempt to find some much needed touch, Jack Watts snapped truly to set up a five-point Casey lead at the major change.
The Scorpion's would run out the remainder of the match one man short with Jack Fitzpatrick, who has showed some promise in previous weeks, taken to hospital with a neck injury.
The third quarter was not a great one for the spectators as both sides struggled to find any quality entries into their respective forward-50's.
The Borough certainly had the better of Scorpions, particularly late in the term but Casey were by no means out of the match. An 11-point Port Melbourne lead at three quarter time could have been bigger if not for some wasteful kicking, the Borough kicking 3.5 throughout the third term to Casey's 1.1.
The home side put Casey to the sword in the last quarter, opening up a six-goal advantage as the clock clicked into red-time - the Scorps unable to capitalise on their hard-earned opportunities.
A couple of late goals to the Scorpions cut the deficit before the final siren.
Plenty of eyes were on Jack Watts in his return at VFL level, the 24-year-old had 24 disposals and eight marks to go with his classy second quarter goal.
Saturday's loss now leaves Casey's season delicately placed at two wins and three loses with the possibility the Scorpions will be outside the top eight when the round is completed today.
The Scorpions will host Richmond under lights at Casey Fields from 6pm Saturday, May 23.
Click back to melbournefc.com.au later this week for a full round-up by coach Justin Plapp.