Round 10, 2011
Port Melbourne v Werribee Tigers
by Mark Towson
Coming off the bye Port Melbourne played host to the Werribee Tigers in the ABC TV clash on Saturday afternoon. Most VFL experts expected this to be a big challenge for Port.
1st QUARTER
The signs were good early for Port with the home side kicking the first 3 goals of the match. Chris Cain, Myles Pitt and Sam Dywer all hit the scoreboard. The Borough looked slick and ready to impress the healthy crowd.
Just as Port looked set to put the foot down, the match quickly changed. After Port missed a set shot on goal from 30m directly in front, Werribee strung 3 goals together in the time on period.
At quarter time the scores were level with both sides kicking 3.2.20.
2nd QUARTER
The second term turned into the Dean Galea show. The Borough forward was able to kick Port’s first 3 goals of the term within just 7 minutes. His first was a real highlight after taking a big pack mark followed by an impressive snap from a tight angle.
Werribee was able to get one back, but minutes later Ryan McMahon kicked another Borough goal from a holding the ball decision.
When Dean Galea was able to mark and goal at the 16 minute mark, followed by a single to Billy Burstin 2 minutes later, the lead was stretched out to an impressive 31 point margin.
A lucky free kick to Werribee’s Rob Castello kept the Tigers in touch and trailed Port by 23 points at half time.
3rd QUARTER
The game was turned on its head with Werribee steaming out of blocks early in the third. The Tigers kicked 4 goals in 13 minutes to hit the front. Ex West Coast Eagle, Ben McKinley was becoming a factor and the Borough looked shaky.
After only one handball in the first half, Patrick Rose kicked a steadying goal to settle Port. 90 seconds later, Myles Pitt roved a ball from the stoppage to give the Borough a 9 point lead.
Again it was Ben McKinley goal from a strong mark to reduce Port’s lead to just 2 points.
Both sides were able to scrounge 1 more goal each and at the last break Port held a slender 4 point lead.
4th QUARTER
Gary Ayres felt his side had gotten ahead of themselves and were not playing with the intensity required. In his ¾ time speech he let the Borough midfield know they had to lift and told them how badly they were beaten in the third term.
As good sides do, Port lifted dramatically with Wayde Skipper the first to goal. This was followed by 2 goals to Patty Rose to extend the Port lead. All the momentum was with the home side and Gary Ayres got his wish with the midfield now purring.
The killer blow to Werribee was delivered by a brilliant snap from Patty Rose after a long kick into the forward by Wayde Skipper.
Ports lead was now out to 25 points at the 16 minute mark.
The match became an arm wrestle and with the next 2 goals going to Werribee through Castello and Ross it wasn’t quite over.
Port’s lead was reduced to 14 points which meant Werribee needed 3 more goals to hit the front with about 4-5 minutes remaining.
Both sides missed chances on goal until Port’s Sam Dwyer roved a goal just before the siren to confirm Port’s 19 point victory.
No doubt it wasn’t Port’s best performance of the season with many players not having their usual impact. However when the game was up for grabs the Borough did what was required.
It now takes Port to an 8-0 start with Werribee now under pressure in 8th spot with a 4-5 record for the season.
Port’s next test is against Coburg down at the City Oval. As Port supporters would know it not the easiest venue to win at and the Tigers will be full of confidence after beating Collingwood the previous round.
Go The Mighty Borough!
Port Melbourne: 3.2 9.3 12.6 17.9 (111)
Werribee Tigers: 3.2 5.4 11.8 13.14 (92)
GOALS:
Port Melbourne: Rose 5 Galea 4 Dwyer 2 Pitt 2 Skipper Burstin Cain McMahon
Werribee Tigers: McKinley 6 Mangan 2 Castello 2 Ruggles Martiniello Ross
BEST:
Port Melbourne: Dwyer Pleming Lynch Bentick Rose Baird
Werribee Tigers: McKinley Wormald Tuck Gleeson Tarrant Harding
Last Modified on 07/06/2011 14:28