Southport’s inaccuracy in front of goal did not hurt them this week as they ground out a workmanlike 8.21 (69)-6.4 (40) win over Zillmere in tough conditions at Fankhauser Reserve yesterday.

The Sharks’ wastefulness in front of the big sticks hurt them in their 10-point loss at Mt Gravatt last week, and it threatened to undo them when they were just 16 points in front at the last change yesterday.

However, sheer volume of shots at goal eventually told as they overran the Eagles, just as they had done in a practice match three weeks prior.

It was a day for the mudlarks with constant rain throughout, and the lights had to be turned on midway through the third term.

The Eagles won plenty of the ball in the first term, but Southport were simply too strong thereafter.

Tough midfield utility Fraser Pope continued his renaissance with strong work in the packs capped by two goals, while Darren O’Brien and Mark Lynch also reveled in the ball being constantly on the ground.

Key forward Brett Sinclair showed plenty of poise in the difficult conditions, while big man Kurt Niklaus wasn’t deterred by the rain and did some good things.

Midfielders Matt Payne and Aiden Pratt were busy for the Eagles, while veteran Rob Lucas continued his strong start to the year with a hard working performance.

Austin Lucy worked hard up the ground on a tough day for the forwards where the Eagles could not find a multiple goalkicker.