Under 18.5"s : Greasy conditions greeted the combatants in this contest where the sides were in similar positions on the ladder. TheTigers had first use of the breeze but despite some slick ball-handling, they failed to make full use of their chances. The forwards failed to capitalise on their possession and managed to take only a 7 point lead into the first break. Warrnambool showed how it was done when it was their turn with the wind and they quickly whittled down their deficit and proceeded to set up a lead. Again, Portland had their opportunities but the scoring zone again displayed not much fluency and scores went begging. Ten points was the margin in the hosts' favour at half time. The Tigers got straight into action on resumption with a quickly taken goal and looked full of intent but the Blues weathered the storm and in fact extended their lead to a 17 poiint margin. This set the scene for the final term when they demoralised a tiring Portland team to win by a comfortable 50 points. Better Portland players were David Denboer, Liam Robinson, Nathan Valori, Conor Peters, Leighton Marshall and Tom Hernan.
Final scores: Portland 4-7=31
Warrnambool 12-9=81
Reserves : The Tigers fielded a seemingly weakened team but they showed plenty of spirit to take the game right up to the opposition. Warrnambool threatened to take full control of the match and surged away to a 3 goal lead in pretty rapid time. But Portland rallied and managed to keep pace with the Blues for the rest of the quarter to be 17 points in arrears at quarter time. Again in the 2nd quarter, Portland showed plenty of endeavour, managing to boot a few majors and generally providing a stern test for Warrnambool. 18 points separated the sides at the main break but the Blues controlled the run of the ball in the 3rd term and the edge in fitness they had, enabled them to outpace the Tigers who still kept to their task and the final change saw them 27 points behind Warrnambool. As in the previous quarters, the Blues threatened to overwhelm the visitors and cruise to a big win. But the resolute Portland boys were not going under without a show of steel. They kicked a couple of majors whilst keeping Warrnambool scoreless for a significant part of the quarter. But in the end the Blues superior skills and stronger enduurance enabled them to clinch a 6 goal victory.Plenty of good battlers for the Tigers with Dylan Murray getting top honours. Damien Bell and Delwyn Beavis made life tough for their opposition whilst Jesse Stone, Josh Chapman, Jaron Quinlivan and Jeremy Reynolds were all worthy of mention.
Final scores: Portland 7-7=49
Warrnambool 13-9=87
Seniors : This was always going to be a stern test of Portland's credentials and Warrnambool certainly put the Tigers to the sword in the early stages. Using plenty of handball, they flicked the footy around the park and looked menacing. Luckily for the Tigers, their kicking radar was all astray and a deluge of points resulted. The Tiger defence was holding up reasonably well under the pressure but the scoring zone was virtually non-existent for the 1st quarter. The Blues had a 19 point lead at the initial change but the Tigers had the breeze in the 2nd term and they used this to full advantage to get within 8 points of the Blues. Brett Uebergang was getting plenty of it and others such as Matt Kelly and Pat Haylock were very activin generating plenty of drive. Portland were acouple of goals adrift at the long break but still very much in the game.
The Blues attacked relentlessly at the beginning of the 3rd term and soon opened up a comfortable break and once again the ominous signs of a thrashing were emerging. To be candid, Warrnambool did exert their decided influence on the remainder of the game but at no stage did the Tigers hoist the white flag. The Tiger forward line was simply outclassed and thus scoring was very infrequent in the 2nd half. Yet there were plenty of positives to take out of the game and mostly it was the younger guys who deserved the accolades. Nathan Haylock had serious oppostition but his efforts were highly commendable. Young brother Patrick was instrumental in setting up plenty of orward thrusts whilst others to feature prominantly were Brett Uebergang, Aaron Shepherd, Zach Telfer and Daniel Jackson.
Final scores: Portland 5-10=40
Warrnambool 13-23=101
Last Modified on 28/05/2016 20:28