Port Melbourne have withstood a fast finishing Sandringham outfit to win by 24-points at TEAC Oval on Saturday, after the Zebras almost spoiled the party in Ryan McMahon’s 200th game as brendan Lucas reports.
In what was one of the toughest games of the year for the undefeated Borough, Sandringham almost stole the points, as a last quarter burst put them in front with 22 minutes remaining, only to have it snatched from their grasp.
Matt Boland led the way for the Zebras with five for the day, as a goal at the eight-minute mark of the final term gave them a slender two-point lead.
However, it was consecutive goals to Dean Galea, Chris Cain and Sam Dwyer who buried the remaining hopes of a successful Zebras comeback.
After the game, Port coach Gary Ayres commented on what had been one of the toughest months in Port’s season, after challenges in previous weeks from Bendigo, Collingwood and Sandringham.
“We didn’t take advantage of many of the chances we created,” Ayres said.
“They gradually just got to us from a pressure point of view, and in the end it was a four goal win, on the back of some big efforts from certain players.”
Up until half time the Borough were only doing what was required, holding a 20-point lead heading into the main break.
At the start of the third, two quick goals to Port consolidated a 32-point lead at the six-minute mark. However, it was Port’s turnovers which proved costly, as four goals to the Zebras in the second half of the term brought the lead back to eight-points at the final change.
In a grinding last quarter, individual players stood up for the Boroughs, as 200 gamer Ryan McMahon led the way with his tackling pressure even when things looked grim, finishing with 19 tackles and 16 possessions.
A goal from Galea at the 13-minute mark of the final term gave Port back the lead. A costly miss from Matt Boland three minutes later squandered any hope that was left, as Port’s Sam Dwyer sealed the game late in the quarter.
Port coach Gary Ayres was pleased for his team to have met the challenge after several tough matches in previous weeks despite the visible lack of consistency at times. He also praised Ryan McMahon for his performance when things got tough.
“Our team found a way to win, so that is what you give them credit for, and you can never ever underestimate the spirit and the courage that they showed today,” he said.
“I think the art of coaching is to try and get 22 minds thinking the same way, so maybe I have to improve my game and do some different things before the start of the match.”
“He (McMahon) is a wonderful player, he is easy to coach and symbolises all the things this club stands for. If you talk about courage, if you talk about spirit, if you talk about resilience, [that is why] every one has admiration for him, he is a wonderful fierce competitor and he is unconditional in his approach to the game.”
Photo: Jason Edwards, Leader
Last Modified on 25/07/2011 17:41