Under 18.5's v South Warrnambool : In a 'no excuses" day( weather wise ), the Tigers got off to the start that plaers dream of. Three goals before quarter time and keeping the opposition scoreless was just the tonic for Portland and its large travelling contingent. Despite giving away a sizeable height advantage, the Tigers made everything a contest and were able to push forward in numbers to maintain the pressure. South had the advantage of the slight breeze in the 2nd term and they were able to reverse the situation on the Tigers. In doing so they sliced into the deficit, the result of superior marking and the ability to hit targets. Half time saw the scores all locked up with the Roosters having much the better of the 2nd term.
Despite kicking into the breeze in the 3rd quarter, South totally dominated this phase of the game. Hunting in numbers and forcing Portland into error on numerous occasions, South booted 3 goals and left the Tigers floundering. It wasn't until late in the quarter that the Tigers were able to stem the tide with a late goal seeing them 13 points in arrears at the last change. It was all one way traffic in the last quarter as South continually stretched the Tiger defence with their greter marking power and their pinpoint disposal. When Portland did manage to move the ball forwardthey turned it over and were then caught out in the transition.The game came to a sorry end fot the Tigers with South getting home desrvedly by 40 points. It was a gallent effort by the Tigers and they were certainly not disgraced. Portland were best served by Mitch Riddell, Jesse Murray, Aidan Cancian, Luke Hodge, Hayden Telfer and Pat Haylock.
Final scores; Portland 5-3=33
South Warrnambool 11-7=73
Reserves v Hamilton Kangaroos : The breeze had strengthened considerably with Portland having first use of it. The umpires seemed prepared to let the game flow leading to plenty of vigour being freely applied. The Kangaroos had their defence set up very well, thus drying up Portland's supply line to goal. Still the Tigers had enough of it to slot some telling majors and take a 26 point lead inti the 1st break. On resumption, Hamilton didn't take long to slip into gear and their run around the ground was causing problems for the Tigers but they stuck to their task and were rewarde with a valuable major into the breeze. Poor discipline then cost the Tigers acouple of goals and the Roos were right back in the contest. Coach Quinlivan and Matt Kelly were playing significant roles in the middle of the park for the Tigers, generating plenty of forward movement. Portland held sway by 21 points at the long interval but it was a hard fought lead.
Hamilton signalled their intentions with an early goal in the 3rd term. Again, a lack of self-discipline cost Portland another goal and this gave Hamilton a real sniff and despite going into the wind they were able to attack repeatedly. Portland were made to look lethargic with Hamilton seemingly having loose men everywhere. It turned ou to be a miserable quarter for the Tigers with their only goal coming near the quarter's end. Heads turned for home with the Tigers having an 11 point buffer. This paved the way for a proper arm wrestle in the last term. To illustrate the tight nature of the final quarter, there was not a solitary score registered until 16 minutes had elapsed. This was a goal to the Tigers and it was crucial as play then ebbed and flowed for the final few minutes with neither side making any scoreboard impact. All this meant that the gritty Tigers got the job done by 16 points and gained the club their 1st Football premiership in the HFNL. Portland's coach Jaron Quinlivan was the epitomy of skill and courage to lead his troops to victory. But there were plenty of others to help the cause with Matt Kelly being outstanding in his fearless attack on the ball as was Josh Chapman. Zane Wakely was impassable down back and also set up many forward thrusts whilst other prominent performers were Kyle Richardson, Tom Harper and skipper Michael Matthews who seemed to revel in the close encounters. Overall a grand team effort, not just on the day but from every player pulled on the black and gold throughout the season.
Final scores; Portland 8-9=57
Hamilton Kangaroos; 6-5=41
Last Modified on 20/09/2014 17:53