Port Melbourne has secured their third consecutive win after a taxing final quarter effort against Sandringham, winning by 16 points as Brittany Shanahan reports.
It was picturesque conditions at Trevor Barker Oval as the Borough led for most of the day but Sandringham gave Port Melbourne a real scare when they trailed by just three points heading into the final term.
The Zebra’s accurate, penetrating kicks inside 50 and pressure on the ball carrier was second to none. Brett Peake executed his shots on goal walking away with three goals.
Chris Irving was a handy contributor for the Zebra’s but it was Jackson Ferguson down back that lifted the side when they were under attack from a potent Borough outfit.
The Borough showed they are a class above with sheer guts and determination to get it out of the danger zone and was able to convert at the other end of the ground through thirteen individual goal scorers.
When it counted most the Borough’s defence was able to stand tall and work their way out of trouble when they were under siege from the Zebra’s.
Mick Dillon, Jarrod Dalton and Hugh Sandilands played key parts down back, as they remained composed under pressure and created drive off halfback in red time to prohibit the Zebra’s from snatching the win.
Port Melbourne coach Gary Ayres was very “proud” with his sides “mental resilience” to get over the line away from home.
“We needed to find a way to try and get across the line in the end because I don’t think we played really good football today but in the last quarter they were challenged and they responded like a good side should,” Ayres said.
Ayres also commended Hugh Sandilands’ effort down back as he was part of a successful defensive team able to take on the challenge when Sandringham was pressing forward.
“Our defence had to stand up and they were under the pump.”
“He (Hugh Sandilands) has been really solid for us this year. He is reading the play really well at the minute and his interception work today was really good.”
“I also thought Mick Dillon was also good. Coming across the front of the pack taking the ball in a two on one situations and I thought Jarrod Dalton was pretty solid all day.”
Looking forward to next week Ayres sends a “bring it on” message to his Bullants counterparts, as he believes his side is ready to be challenged against another quality side.
“What we can do is look at challenging ourselves to be the best we can be and if it means we have to play against 22 Carlton listed players so be it. All we can say is bring it on.”
“I know this group is very proud so they will endeavor to do what they do every week and give 110%."
Last Modified on 21/04/2011 17:32