Round 1, 2011
Box Hill Hawks v Port Melbourne
by Mark Towson
The opening game of the VFL season saw Port Melbourne take on modern day rival the Box Hill Hawks. Although Port has won 4 from the past 5 against the Hawks, the highest winning margin in the past four encounters has been just 8 points. This clash was expected to go right down to the wire.
1st QUARTER
The first 10 minutes of season 2011 was a scrappy affair with both sides making mistakes and turning the ball over often. When the game finally opened up it was Box Hill who were able to put on some scoreboard pressure. Hawk youngster Jordan Lisle was looking the most dangerous of the Box Hill talls. With the aid of the breeze, Box Hill was able to kick the first 3 goals of the game.
Last season’s Liston medalist, Shane Valenti was at his best winning the ball at will and kicking Port’s opening goal from long range.
Port’s only other goal kicker for the term was through new recruit Patrick Rose. With both sides having 6 scoring shots it was Box Hill 4.2.26 to Port Melbourne 2.4.16.
2nd QUARTER
Port worked their way on top early in the term with their running brigade starting to fire. Shane Valenti, Malcolm Lynch, Tomi & Marc Johnston and Sam Dwyer were linking up through the midfield and starting to look dangerous. Goals to Patrick Rose (2), Dean Galea and a superb running goal to Nathan Batsanis had Port in a good position going into half time. With Port’s forward line very open, the Box Hill Hawks looked very much under the pump. Rose and Galea were starting to look very ominous.
Kicking 4 goals to 1 for the term it was the Borough leading 6.5.41 to Box Hill 5.4.34 at the main break.
3rd QUARTER
Gary Ayres message to the Port boys at half time was to hold firm and not let Box Hill take the advantage of kicking with a 2-3 goal breeze. The healthy crowd could feel it was game on and they were treated to an exciting quarter of football. Malcolm Lynch was first to put Port on the scoreboard followed by some great roving and a deadly finish by Chris Cain. Just as Port was starting to flex their muscles, a contentious free kick and 50m penalty kept the Hawks within touch.
Box Hill was coming at Port and grabbed another quick goal to reel in Port’s lead.
Under extreme pressure, the Borough backline was superb. Steve Brewer was providing his usual run and dash. Sam Pleming, Jake Edwards and Bo Nixon were outstanding in providing plenty of spoils and sticking close to their opponents. The Borough defence looked supremely confident and didn’t look rushed or paniced at any stage.
When Patty Rose kicked #4 for the afternoon late in the term, Port had done enough to keep their noses in front at ¾ time. With one quarter to go it was Port Melbourne with a 4 point lead.
4th QUARTER
An early mark and goal to Dean Galea had Port off to a good start in the last. The game was played at a very high intensity and it wasn’t long until Box Hill hit back. With both sides getting early goals in the first part of the term it looked as though this could be another nail biter.
The defining match moment came when the silky skilled Sam Dwyer was able to nail a goal from a very difficult angle 35m out from goal. This was at the 17 min mark and gave Port some breathing space.
Tommy Langford was next to goal for Port and the Hawks had it all to do. There were some nervous moments for the strong Borough contingent standing on the wing with Box Hill spraying a number of scoring chances and peppering the goals.
When Dean Galea kicked his 4th the Borough had done enough to seal a strong victory.
A 6 to 2 goal last quarter saw Port Melbourne defeat Box Hill by 24 points to kick off season 2011 in style.
Across the board Port had a very even contribution from all players and it was very hard to pick stand out players. The bulk of the Borough goals came from key forwards Patty Rose (5) and Dean Galea (4).
Port will be very happy to take the 4 points and move on with plenty of personnel to return in the coming weeks.
Port Melbourne will take on the Casey Scorpions at Teac Oval next Saturday from 2pm. The club welcomes all members and supporters to the first home match of season 2011.
Go the Mighty Borough!
Box Hill Hawks 10.13-73
Port Melbourne 15.7-97
Box Hill Hawks
Goal Kickers: J. Lisle 3, J. Hoegel 2, S. Gibson , T. Duryea , W. Sierakowski , I. Smith , P. Puopolo
Best Players: S. Gibson, P. Puopolo, A. Pattison, W. Sierakowski, T. Murphy, X. Ellis
Port Melbourne
Goal Kickers: P. Rose 5, D. Galea 4, C. Cain , M. Lynch , S. Dwyer , T. LANGFORD , N. Batsanis , S. Valenti
Best Players: P. Rose, S. Valenti, J. Edwards, S. Pleming, M. Lynch, T. Johnston
Last Modified on 11/04/2011 11:27