Under 18's: In a modified game( both teams had reduced numbers on the field ) due to Millicent having problems attracting sufficient playing personnel, Portland controlled the flow of the game from the outset. With plenty of space to operate in, the Tigers were able to maintain a ready supply of the ball to the forwards who gra tefully accepted the many scoring chances that came their way.The 8 goal margin at the first break quickly expanded as Portland continued their dominance. In a game that unfortunately resembled a training drill, Portland had a huge margin of 90 points to spare at half time.
The 3rd term saw a heavy shower cause a slowing down of the visitors goal-kicking spree, but the superior skills of Portland enabled them to stretch the lead to mammoth proprtions at the final changeover. The trend continued on in the last quarter, Portland's body strength really putting the hosts to the sword. Credit goes to the Millicent lads who toughed it out and also to the Portland boys who temporarily swapped allegiance, but in the wash-up Portland ran out winners by 175 points. In a game where good players were spread right across the park, those who contributed most to the Tiger cause were first gamer Daniel Jackson( 7 goals ), Tom Templeton, Dean Jones, Dylan Barr, Harry Warren and Jaymee Millard.
Final Scores: Portland 28-19=187
Millicent 2-0=12
Reserves: The Tigers may have suffered from the malaise of fear of the long trip to Millicent and had to make changes to the selected side before taking to the field. Whether this disrupted the focus of the playing group or whether there were other factors at play, Portland struggled to make any form of impact on the encounter. This was reflected on the scoreboard which told the sorry tale of Portland being some 32 points adrift at quarter time. Although kicking with the breeze in the 2nd term, things did not improve for the visitors and it wasn't until a few minutes before half-time that Portland registered their first major. The Tigers were being outgunned around the ground, playing from behind and generally outpaced. When they did venture forward, there was no fluency to their efforts, thus making the life of the forwards very miserable. Millicent had a margin of some 31 points to the good at the main break-a lead they had fully earnt.
Despite a series of attacks in the 3rd term, Portland still had difficulty in breaching the opposing defence, whereas when Millicent attacked they made it very effective. The Tigers did peg a couple back later in the game, but every time they managed to score a goal, the opposition replied in kind. Added to their skill flaws, Portland's fitness seemed to falter in the closing stages and the final result saw Millicent finish 39 points in front. Good players for the Tigers were rather difficult to find, but those worthy of a mention were Harley Angus, Jaron Quinlivan, Jake Patterson, Shaun Trenorden, Michael Carr and Josh Reid.
Final Scores: Portland 4-10=34
Millicent 11-7=73
Seniors : Portland was greeted with an enormous deluge of precipitation when they arrived on the arena, but this didn't seem to deter them as they went about their task in workmanlike fashion-that is no frills and keeping the ball in possession, so that they were able to attack with some purpose. With the aid of a breeze, they enjoyed the majority of the ball to notch 4 goals whilst limiting the oppsition to a solitary goal to enjoy a handy 22 point lead at the first stopover.
The playing surface was chopping up, leading to conditions that suited the game of rugby more than aussie rules. Still the Tigers were able to string some cohesive passages of play together to extend their lead before Millicent edged their way closer with a series of well-constructed goals. The momentum of the contest had swung heavily in the host's favour as the long interval approached and they went in at half time only 5 points in arrears.
Portland failed to capitalise on the breeze in the early stages of the 3rd term with the forward line seeming to be top heavy and lacking mobility. They were caught playing behind and when the ball hit the ground, it was swept away by the Millicent defence. The Tiger's disposal was proving to be very ineffective with their kicking efforts not having any penetration, despite the wind advantage. It needed a freakish left foot snap from Jarrod Hayse in the shadows of the siren that heralded the last change for the Tigers to regain the lead by only 5 points. It had been a very mediocre term from Portland and they certainly had a sizeable task if they were to maintain their unbeaten record.
It was Millicent who had the run of the ball in the early stages of the last quarter as they had the numbers at the contest and were cleaner in their handling of the heavy football. Suddenly, Portland found some life and began to move the ball in more positive fashion. Another goal from Hayse triggered a barrage of majors from both sides, but Portland's momentum then seemed to peter out and Millicent used their solid frames to keep possession of the increasingly slippery ball. This enabled them to edge out to a lead of just over a goal which they maintained to the final siren and eventually they triumphed by 8 points. The Tigers had some valiant triers, but none better than Sam Anson( impassable at half back ), Sam Fleming ( good wet weather skills ), Marcus Amor( tireless display from this developing ruckman ), Josh Chapman( just a whole hearted goer ), Zane Wakely and Joel Mirtschin( both impressive display across the back line with their precise ball-handling ).
Final Scores: Portland 8-9=57
Millicent 10-5=65
Last Modified on 16/06/2012 17:16