Under 18's : A spot in the Five was up for grabs in this encounter and it was Hamilton who grabbed the opportunity initially as they dominated possession in the first term. They were able to translate this advantage to the scoreboard to register a handy lead of 14 points at the first changeover. The Tigers were having trouble getting the ball into the scoring zone and when they did the chances went begging. Depite drizzling rain making conditions difficult, this wasn't a justifiable reason for the inept skill level and lack of intensity shown by the home side in the first half. At the long interval, the margin had narrowed to 11 points in favour of the visitors and the game was there for thetaking. Portland upped their work-rate in the 3rd quarter, but the skill level still left much to be desired. Through sheer persistence, Portland managed to forge to a narrow lead towards the end of this term, a lead they maintained through to the last change-albeit by just 2 points. A defensive blunder from the Tigers saw Hamilton regain the lead which they consolidated and Portland were left looking down the barrel. Could they lift? They could, through some individual heroics and a more steely resolve from the rank and file. The Tigers got to the front with only a short time remaining,but Hamilton were not to be denied and they struggled the ball forward to snatch a draw right on the siren- a bit of an anti-climax to everyone concerned. There were some valiant triers for Portland-the best of whom were Joel Mirtschin, Jordan Kane, Josh Slade, Zach Telfer, Michael Matthews and Brody Fishwick.
Final Scores; Portland 6-11=47
Hamilton 6-11=47
Reserves : Hamilton forfeited
Seniors : Hamilton took the game right up to the home side with their defence playing tight and not allowing easy possessions. They had the ball moving quickly in transition from defence into attack, this ball movement hurting Portland and keeping the Tiger defence on full alert. As the quarter wore on, the locals settled into more of a rhythm and began to score a little more freely-this enabled them to take a 3 point break into the first change. Then, the Tiger machine clicked into gear, with their run on style of play carving huge holes in the Magpie defence and creating numerous scoring chances( and being gratefully accepted ). Hamilton's resistance dropped to a low ebb and the home side surged to a 54 point lead at the long break. The early stages of the 3rd quarter saw more of the same as the Tigers produced some classy link-up football, stretching their lead even further. Hamilton were able to stem the tide somewhat towards the end of this term and managed to put together a couple of productive raids on goal to limit the arrears to 72 points at the final interval. The pace of the game settled to a more genteel level in the final term, with each side peppering the big sticks and each grabbing the scoreboard's attention; Portland running out convincing winners by 86 points. Portland had quality all over the ground-none more so than in the engine room with the smooth motors of Daniel Falcone and Marcus England propelling the ball forward repeatedly. Elsewhere, Cam Mather showed his undoubted class in a variety of roles, Ben Walker showed plenty of dash up and down his wing, the ultra consistent Rhys Egan perfomed his duties with due diligence and up forward the tandem of Jarrod Hayse and Jarrod Holt performed at a fairly advanced skill level with each of them booting 6 big ones.
Final Scores: Portland 21-11=137
Hamilton 7-9=51
Last Modified on 12/06/2011 11:18