Under 18.5's : The sun was positively beaming down which was a major relief after the destructive weather elements of the previous couple of days. The 1st term saw the ball scooting around the park but with neither making any real impact on the scoreboard. This was a fair reflection of the match as both sides had trouble mastering the slippery conditions. Quarter time saw the Eagles in front by 5 points but the Tigers asserted their stamp on the contest in the 2nd term. Running strongly and creating the loose man they got right on top and and a string of unansered goals left the visitors triling by 20 points at the long interval. The windless conditions meant that neither end was favoured scoring wise and this was confirmed in the 3rd quarter when both teams scored freely. Initially North had the run of play and kicked 3 quick majors to loom ominously close to the lead. But the Tigers responded and again surged with another barrage of goals. Moving the ball fluently and hitting targets it was an enjoyable spectacle for Portland supporters and the Tigers had a 31 point margin at the last change. The visitors came hard in the final term and made the home side search for extra stamina pills. But in the end Portland got home by 23 points although not scoring a major in this last quarter. Lots of good players with the more prominent being Aidan Cancian, Pat Haylock, Brett Uebergang, Tom Haylock, Bryce Clay and Jesse Murray.
Final scores: Portland 10-9=69
North Warrnambool 7-4=46
Reserves : The breeze was becoming fractionally stronger from the west and it favoured the end to which the Tigers kicked in the first quarter. But it was a dour struggle as both temas had trouble registering any sort of score. The Tigersn eventually found a way through and scored a couple of majors which was sufficient to see them enjoy a 15 point gap at the first change. The 2nd was a true grind with the only major score being reistered by the Tigers towards the end of the term. The strengthening breeze seemed to have a negative impact on the skill level with the Tigers just edging it scorewise leaving them with a 21 point lead at half time. The game opened up to some extent in the 3rd term with the Tigers doing the majority of the scoring. They appeared to be outrunning the opposition and consequently this enabled them to be scoring with a little more ease. The last change saw the hosts up by some 39 points and looking good. This proved to be the case as North failed to muster any momentum in the final term and the Tigers with their superior leg speed and edge in skills were able to record a comfortable victory. Bryce Finnegan had an outstanding game acroos the backline whilst Michael Matthews provided excellent support. Others to feature were Kye Taylor, Zach Telfer, Tom Haroper and Jayden Clark.
Final scores: Portland 10-9=69
North Warrnambool 2-5=17
Seniors : The ball moved swiftly around the oval as neither side could claim supremacy in the 1st quarter. Both sides looked potent on the break with perhaps North shading it with slightly superior marking. Luke Van Heugten and Jake Myles were instrumental early with some influential work at the back but their good work was squandered with some wasteful shooting for goal . This enabled the Eagles to take a 5 point lead into the 1st break. The Tigers upped the ante in the early stages of the 2nd term and although again guilty of indirect play and inaccuracy managed to hit the front and maintain their lead until deep into the quarter. But North mounted a spirited fight back which saw them wrest the lead and using a slicker brand of football they added a couple of goals to slip out to a 14 point lead at half time. Portland made all of the running in the 3rd term and their efforts were rewarded when they hit the front in mid quarter and consolidated their lead at the last change. But from being in front by 7 points the game changed direction in the last term for one major reason. The Tigers struggled to get the ball into the scoring zone when it mattered and this was entirely due to errant disposal. There is absolutely no point in getting the ball and then feeding it to the opposition. Numerous times the Tigers were guilty of this offence and it cost them dearly. North, in contrast, made the turnover and used the ball successfully to slam on goals at will to seal the game. Hopefully it is a lesson learnt but it may well come too late. Good players for the Tigers were the classy pair of Luke Crane and Jake Dignan both of whom had plenty of it and used it intelligently. Down back Luke Van heugten continued his superb form as did Jake Edwards. Scott Clark and Marcus England were others to come under notice.
Final scores: Portland 8-9=57
North Warrnambool 11-9=75
Last Modified on 03/08/2014 10:41