Round 7, 2011
Port Melbourne v Williamstown
by Mark Towson
After chalking up 5 straight victories in season 2011, Port hosted bitter rival Williamstown who were also undefeated thus far.
The Borough was hoping to show their supporters that they could match the Seagulls after being thrashed, in last year’s finals series.
1st QUARTER
Port looked primed for this match from the opening bounce and kicked the first 2 goals of the term within 4 minutes. Nice snaps by Myles Pitt and Patty Rose gave Port an early advantage.
Zeph Skinner was able to get Williamstown on the scoreboard but Port piled on the next 4 goals to take charge. Myles Pitt (3 goals) was fantastic up forward.
The Borough had winners all over the ground and their pressure and attack on the ball was first class.
At quarter time Port lead 6.0.36 to Willy 1.1.7.
2nd QUARTER
The second quarter was virtually a repeat of the first with Port simply smashing Williamstown in all facets of the game. Although the Seagulls were able to scrounge an early goal, it was to be their only highlight for the term.
A classy goal after a number of baulks, to Chris Cain sent the Borough into overdrive. A string of 5 unanswered goals with singles to Rose, McGrath, Burstin and Pinwill had Peter German’s men on the canvas.
Port was playing some outstanding football and their fans were loving every minute of the onslaught.
Malcolm Lynch and Hugh Sandilands in particular took their games to another level.
At half time Port lead by a whopping 49 points and had only conceded 2 goals to the usually high scoring Williamstown outfit.
3rd QUARTER
In heavy conditions the third term became a real slog with many stoppages and Williamstown showing a lot more fight.
Again Port was able to do enough to win the quarter and extend the lead. Patty Rose added another 2 to his tally to be Port’s only multiple goal kicker for the quarter.
Sam Pleming was again the general in the back half, backing himself in to take plenty marks and blanket the Seagull forwards.
Ryan McMahon, Toby Pinwill and Adam Bentick were relishing the conditions with their strong bodies. Youngster Josh Purcell also showed he can find the ball and added some extra run to Port’s midfield rotations.
At the last break Port held a commanding 54 point lead.
4th QUARTER
With the game in the bag, Gary Ayres wanted his men to finish off strong with another solid 30 minutes of football.
At no stage did Port take the foot off the gas and made Williamstown work hard right until the final siren.
The final score saw Port Melbourne convincing 51 point winners.
Hugh Sandilands was named best on ground and was simply outstanding in defence. Billy Burstin was solid for all 4 quarters and showed flashes of brilliance that Gary Ayres knows he is capable of.
Mal Lynch played his best game for Port and showed he can break the lines and hit targets with his deadly left foot.
Patty Rose kicked another 5 goals to demonstrate why he’s by far the best small forward in the VFL.
Every player is contributing strongly which is really showing on the scoreboard and is the main reason why Port is on top of the ladder.
Port’s next challenge is a trip to Windy Hill on Sunday to take on the much improved Bendigo Bombers. Action kicks off from 2pm.
Go The Mighty Borough!
Port Melbourne 6.0 11.1 13.3 15.7 (97)
Williamstown 1.1 2.6 3.9 6.10 (46)
GOALS:
Port Melbourne: Rose 5 Pitt 3 Cain 2 McMahon Pinwill Burstin McGrath Sandilands
Williamstown: Panos 4 Skinner Dahlhaus
BEST:
Port Melbourne: Sandilands Lynch Burstin Rose Pleming McMahon
Williamstown: Wallis Dahlhaus Goodes Hooper Panos Johnson
Last Modified on 17/05/2011 14:51