In windy conditions at Esplan Oval, it took every ounce of courage and determination for our u18s to finally hit the front with just three minutes remaining. Trailing for the entire game against a quality outfit, Nick Jackson popped up with three last quarter goals after being well held for most of the day.

Trailing by 10 points at the last change and kicking with a slight wind advantage, the Hornets kicked the first goal of the quarter thanks to Billy Ganiatsis who had a terrific game bagging two goals for the day.

A quik reply from Southport set the boys back to a 10 point deficit but another quick reply thanks to Cameron Perkins once again lifted the Hornets and got them within a kick. But to Southports credit they kept up their workrate and within minuted had once again pulled away with another goal.

With 10 minutes remaining and 11 points down the Hornets found something and led by the pocket dymano Daniel Farry, they were not going to let this game slip away. At one stage on centre wind, Daniel Farry found himself caught between 4 Southport players with a loose ball to win. To everyons amazment he refused to surrender and fought hard to win a ball up and and in the process inspired his team mates to  lift.

With time running out it was the leg speed of Bill Ganiatsis that hit the pack hard at Half Forward to slot the goal that reduced the margin to just 4 points. With the momentum and the the wind at their back, the Hornets once agian went forward.  This time it was Nick Jackson who marked just 10 metres out and with a chance to put the Hornets ahead for the first time.  To everyones amazment the ball swung left and only a point was scored.

Three minutes later, Liam Dawson rebounded from the centre of the ground and the WIZZ ( Nick Jackson) marked in almost the same spot but this time made no misteke slotting through the goal that put the Hornets in front for the first time.

With just minutes left the Hornets had controll of the game and with Jordan Roberts repelling every forward thrust that the Sharks threw at us, a mark and goal from Michael Rovert from the bounday, put the game beyond doubt and sent the boys into next weeks Semi Final.

 The boys ran out 12 point winners in a terrific team effort.