Under 18.5"s : The spacious Reid Oval was in a reasonable condition given the deluge of the previous days. The skill level of both side was of the superior type as first Portland gained the asendancy to create a 3 goal lead only to see the home side up their intensity to get back within 5 points at quarter time. The Tigers seized the intiative at the beginning of the 2nd quarter but couldn't fully capitalise on their opportunities. The Blues mounted a fightback to draw level and the game was developing into a tense encounter. Some controversy unfortunately crept into the game as players and spectators alike were left confused. Still, Warrnambool were playing slightly the better football despite the game being tied up at half time. The Blues still had numbers in their favour for most of the 3rd term, but Portland clung on, and midway through the quarter were able to forge to the lead courtesy of their persistent attack on the ball. But, as in the previous quarters, Warrnambool were not to be denied and finished the quarter full of running to be only 5 points in arrears at the final changeover. As in the previous quarters the Tigers got a flier in the final term and raced out to a 4 goal lead with Jay Moody and Jake Edwards working hard up forward for the Tigers. Play evolved into a stalemate with neither side able to make serious headway on the scoreboard, the final score seeing the Tigers get over the line by some 4 goals. Good players were for Portland were Jake Edwards, Zach Telfer, Mitch Bunworth, Daniel Jackson, Dylan Murray and Nathan Jennings.
Final Scores
Portland 10.10-70
Warrnambool 7.6-48
Reserves: The quagmire in the centre of the oval didn't detract from an entertaining contest in the early stages. The sides traded goals with neither side gained supremacy, until the Tigers slotted a couple of majors just before the first break. Resuming with a 14 point lead. Portland were immediately put on the back foot as the Blues attacked relentlessly and by the halfway point they were only 2 points in arrears. Major scores were then exchanged for the balance of the quarter with the net result that the Tigers had an 8 point buffer at the long interval. The same theme continued in the 3rd term as neither side were able to break clear. Again, the Tigers nailed a couple of goals in the shadows of the last break enabling them to ease out to a 18 point lead heading into the last quarter. The Tigers fitness appeared to ba a significant factor as they were able to add a few major scores, whilst the backline held things tight at their end of the ground. The final score saw Portland enjoy a 31 point victory and giving their final aspirations a timely boost. Portlands best players were judged as being Jamie Blacksell, Dylan Barr, Zane Wakely, Delwyn Beavis, Joel Mirtschin, and Andrew Symons.
Final Scores
Portland 12.8-80
Warrnambool 7.7-49
Seniors; An early goal for Portland was quickly offset by a mini-barrage by the Blues that saw them consolidate their lead. Putting the Tigers under plenty of pressure, Warrnambool looked the smarter in their disposal as Portland looked to labour when going forward. The home side held sway by 7 points at quarter time and it could have been significantly more. The Tigers continued to make heavy weather as the pressures exerted by the home side forced Portland into frequent errors with wasteful kicking being the most significant. Fortunately the Portland backline was being at its most meanest, holding firm and launching many attacks. The entry into the forward zone was the problem and the key attackers were battling to have any influence on proceedings. The 13 point margin at half time was priceless as heavy rain began to tumble down at this point and the Blues were looking good. However the Tigers dug deep and injected a little more urgency into their forward ventures. This presented the target men with some viable chances, some of which they were able to convert. They slowly made scoreboard progress and got to within 1 goal of Warrnambool. It was to no avail as the Blues showed exactly why they are a top side as they clinically threaded a string of goals to lead by 27 points at the last crossover. Again the Tigers upped the ante in the last term and got the deficit down to a couple of goals only to see the hosts withstand the challenge and hold on and win by 18 points. Although the conditions were on the adverse side it was an entertaining contest and another link in the Tigers learning curve. Warrnambool can be pleased with their exertions, but Portland have showed they have got a future with this bunch of youngsters. The Tigers' better players were Justin Van Heugten, Luke Van Heugten, Daniel Falcone, Marcus England, Cam Mather, Sam Fleming and Scott Clark.
Final Scores
Portland 5.10-58
Warrnambool 10.16-78
Last Modified on 21/07/2013 10:10