High Standard Game To Kick Off Season
The final scoreboard did no justice to an exhilarating game of football this Saturday as a new-look Cygnet outfit went toe-to-toe with the expensive Dodges outfit who claim to be on the way to this year's flag. Our opposition wore worried faces as they walked off at half time. having been well matched in every aspect of the game by a slick, skillfull and desperate Cygnet senior team who look the best we have put on ground since the Three-Peat.
A gap in fitness and a few errors in the second half gave the Dodges machine it's chances to bang on a few towards the end of the game... however coach Matthew Tyrrell said although he was disappointed with the final result he was going away pleased with the knowledge that this year's team has all the potential it needs to match it in this competition.
The Colts .... fronted up to a strong well drilled and skilful Dodges outfit. New Coach Sam Warren kept up plenty of encouragement for the boy’s during the match and they played some really good passages of football in stages. In the end Dodges had too many avenues to goal and a number of players in their second or third year of Colts, compared to the Port fielding one of the youngest sides in the competition with 95% of the players still eligible for Under 16’s.
It will be a year of development for this young group and they will certainly get a few wins as the season progresses if they stick together. Sam is the right person to aid their development as footballers. There is up to 7-8 experienced players still on the sidelines so hopefully theses boys will commit over coming weeks and give their mates a hand against some of the stronger sides.
Better players included Captain Tom Slevin, while Aaron Dance, Corey Shaw and Jeremy Hickey lent good support. Tom Palmer and Sam Cook were good contributors. Goals went to Matt Coulson and Sam Cook.
The Reserves .... under new coach Brett Direen were determined to give a good account of themselves first up despite losing 3 or 4 players to work and other commitments during the week. Unfortunately, Dodges were able to field a side boasting quite a few senior players and were far too quick and skilled for the Port all over the ground. The Port were completely outclassed in every facet of the game in the first half but responded well to their coach’s plea to put in a better effort in the second half of the match which they were able to achieve. After a first up 107 point loss, both players and the coach will be looking for significant improvement at home this week against Lindisfarne .
Better players included Captain Tim Bone, first gamer Mitch Wilcox who was impressive, Andrew Paul, Loic Auderset and Krisco Harding in the backline and Paddy Ford. The major goal-kicker was Jamie Direen with 2.
The Senior side .... containing a number of new recruits wanted to make a statement under new coach Matt Tyrrell and hit the ground running matching the very strong Dodges side in every facet of the game.
They were ferocious at the football and contest, but Dodges did not take a backward step and played their usual style of game with hard running, linking up and breaking lines. The first term was an even affair. The Port again matched the Sharks in the second term and toward the end of the quarter looked to be playing the superior football. At the main break a few of the older Dodges faithful had some concerned looks on their faces as a potential huge upset loomed.
After the break, a bad third term where the side did not heed their coaches advice saw the Sharks take advantage of the Cygnet side not following structures and poor decision making to bang on five goals to the Ports one. The Cygnet side were still getting plenty of the football, but the Dodges side were kicking goals in the fluky winds whereas the Port struggled to find the big sticks.
Eventually the Sharks got away to open up a 68 point winning margin, but most Port supporters present were really impressed with what they saw as it is the best football the Port has played first up for a number of seasons. Once the whole team gels, both coach Matt Tyrrell and the players are confident they can match it with the best in what is a very tough competition.
Better players included new highly touted recruit Mark Fenton who dominated across centre half back and consistently turned defence into attack with his great marking and running efforts. He was well supported by young Adam Duggan who lent brilliant support as did Kane Nielsen across half back. Captain Brad Watson played a disciplined game with numerous possessions and first gamer Andrew Palmer showed he will be an acquisition to the Club with his strength, hard running and classy finish near goal. Jules Direen played a great game on Ricky Martin at full back considering the amount of in-coming ball. Goal-kickers included Ben Halton with 4, Andrew Palmer with 3, Dillon Davie with 2 in his first match in the Ports colours and Brendan Midson with 1 in his first game with the Port also.