Port Fairy forfeited the Under 18.5's
Reserves : Portland had the advantage of the relatively dry ball and also the wind in the 1st quarter and took full advantage of both. They were able to move the ball fluently( and productively to ram home 6 majors to lead by that amount at the initial break. Unfortunately the heavens opened up at this stage and the contest took on a more dour appearance. But Port Fairy got enough of the ball to score frequently and made the hosts scrap hard for each possession. Half time saw the Tigers still 5 goals to the good in the drenching rain which was turning the playing conditions into a skating rink. The perverse weather of Portland took it's usual twist as the sun came out for varying periods in the 2nd half. Interspersed with the heavy showers, it made for frustrating conditions but it was Portland who adapted better to the vagaries and they got home by a comfortable margin. Lots of honest goers in the trying conditions with those in highest profile being Etahan Blacksell, Bryce Koenig, Mitch Bunworth, Matt Huppatz, Zac Telfer and Jayden Clark
Final scores: Portland 13-10=88
Port Fairy 4-4=28
Seniors : Port Fairy had the honour of using the strengthening wind in the opening term but the Tigers had the game under control in the intial stages and did a fair job of shutting the visitors out of the scoring zone. It was a classic wet weather struggle with the skills on offer being of a more than watchable standard. The ball was in fierce demand but the Tigers seemingly had the edge in the tight conest, exemplified by the 1 point margin to Portland at the first break( with not a goal being registered ). With the wind at their backs the Tigers quickly got the upper hand and slotted a couple of early goals. But the treacherous conditions and Port Fairy's pressure defence made any further scoring very limited. The ball was still moving around the ground in reasonably slick fashion with the Tigers having a slight edge in the gathering and disposal of the ball. The long break saw Portland up by 21 points but Port Fairy's endeavour was admirable.
And the contest didn't relent in the 3rd term when Port Fairy had the wind advantage. The hosts put their proverbial shoulder to where it was required and managed to resist Port Fairy's best efforts. Despite scoring one goal, the visitors couldn't muster enough impetus to score more effectively and again the Tigers did a near perfect shut down job. The last change saw the Tigers up by 22 points and seemingly in control of the situation. And so it was, with the Tigers going the distance in a fully committed exhibition. Over the ground, the skill and commitment shown by the talls and shorts was something to savour for Portand followers and the win was well received in the Tiger clubrooms. Many good players with those getting the top mention being the dynamic small guys( J. Dignan and L. Crane ), Daniel Falcone( excellent work in close quarters ), Dennis O' Louglin( attacker turned defender extraordiaire ), Charlie Woodford and Marcus England.
Final Scores: Portland 6-16=52
Port Fairy 1-3=9
Last Modified on 28/06/2014 17:08