Portland v West Gambier.
UNDER 18's
Facing a side depleted in numbers, the Tigers had the game under control from the opening bounce. Despite the blustery conditions, Portland handled the ball with a certain deftness and were able to score freely. At the long break. Portland had a dozen goals on the scoreboard whilst keeping the opposition scorless. It was more of the same in the second half, with the Tigers honing their skills in preparation for the harder matches ahead. Good players were in abundant supply with the standouts being Ben Walker (5 goals) Oscar Bunge (8 goals) Ethan Blacksell, Josh Slade, Kane Outtram and Andrew Synonds.
FINAL SCORES: Portland 27 - 14 = 176
West Gambier 0 - 2 = 2
RESERVES
Portland had the unenviable task of kicking into the wind in the first quarter, but they still managed to share the spoils of the opening term. When it came to Portlands turn to have the wind, they surged away despite some errant kicking for goal. In the 3rd term, the Tigers crafted some well worked goals into the wind and at the last change, they enjoyed a 7 goal lead. The bogey of ill- directed kicking persisted in the last term as Portland failed to register a major untill the final minute. Instead they booted a string of minor scores, but this was enough to get the job done. Best players were listed as Kyle Richardson, Beau Bentley, Tim Huppatz, Adam Leishman, Hamish Martin and Luke Moore.
FINAL SCORES: Portland 10 -17 - 77
West Gambier 4 - 7 = 31
SENIORS The home side had the fortune to kick with the wind in the opening term and with rain begining to fall, every score was precious. At the first break they enjoyed a handy margin of 27 points. Portl;and quickly chopped into the lead, but a couple of costly turnovers handed West the run of the play which eventuated in a vital goal into the wind for the home side. West had more numbers at the ball thus enabling them to create the loose man and run the ball into their scoring zone with a certain degree of ease.They were able to maintain , their edge though to half time at which stage they had a 13 point lead. On the resumption, West opened with a string of minor scores-their stronger bodies enabled them to control the ball and the relentless pressure that they exerted on Portland ensured that when heads turned for home, they had the comfort of a 6 goal buffer. In the hard slogging conditions, Portland struggled to make any serious inroads in the final term and although, they never threw the towel in at any stage, West seemed to have the answers at all stages. Best players were listed as Vaughen Hockley, Danial Falcone, Rhys Egan, Jaydon Styles, Nathan Bennett and Heath Brown. FINAL SCORES:
Portland 5- 9 = 39
West Gambier 9 - 14 = 68
All this means that the Under 18's are assured of top spot and the accompanying first week of the finals off. Unfortunately the Reserves will have to win by a huge margin and Millicent will have to lose for them to secure the double chance. This is unlikely, but not impossible. Likewise, the Seniors will have to win and West Gambier will have to lose for them to secure the double chance. Again, an unlikely scenario. Thus the Reserves and Seniors are probably going to be both involved in the Elimination Final on Sunday 29th at a venue to be decided. This means a hard road if progress is to be made, but it is a challenge that the players will attack with gusto.
Last Modified on 15/08/2010 10:35