Saturday 18 June 2011 .. Cygnet vs Central Hawks
Port Record Two Victories at Home
The Cygnet Football Club welcomed the Central Hawks players and supporters to Cygnet Oval last Saturday for what is traditionally three keenly contested matches against an opposition side the Port have a lot of respect for. The ground had recovered well after the recent heavy rainfall, but was still soft underfoot for football.
The Colts were fired up for a good showing against the young Hawks with both sides looking for their first outright win of the season. The first quarter was an even affair with both sides going in hard with the Hawks leading by 5 points at quarter time. By half time that lead had been extended to 11 points in a tight tussle. The young Hawks came out the better side after the long break and opened up what looked like a winning 22 point three quarter time lead. The young Cygnet side were not to be denied and threw everything at the young Hawks but time ran out for the Port and they recorded a 12 point loss in what was an entertaining and evenly contested match. While disappointed with the loss, it was good to see two evenly matched sides for a change at this level.
Better players included Aaron Dance, Corey Shaw and Damian Duggan. Tyler Cowen (3 goals) was a good target while Daniel Donato rucked well and Alex Ford played well until being injured.
The Reserves took to the field with a side containing some Colts and a few veterans as flu and injury is ripping through the Club at the moment. They were fired up for a good showing and knew the Hawks would be hard at the football, but were keen to get a good start on their home ground. This is how it panned out and with Paddy Ford and Paul Sawyer providing drive from the ruck the Port on-ball brigade were getting the ball into the forward line quickly. The Port led by 18 points at the first break but should have been much further in front except for poor kicking. The second quarter was fairly even but a couple of goals provided the Hawks some hope at the long break. After a blast from their Coach, the Port side responded well, however with both sides putting in some good passages of play, the game was still there to be won at the final change. Even though both sides kicked three goals each in the final quarter, the Port had done enough to record a strong and well deserved 33 point victory at the final siren.
Better players included the three veterans in Adam Wills who was impassable at full back, Tim Bone in the centre, and Matty Brereton who was strong and very creative at centre half forward. Craig Phillips and Mitch Wilcox were both busy all day and Jamie Direen with 3 goals always looked dangerous in the forward line and rucked well when required. Paddy Ford with 2 goals was the other major goal scorer.
Special mentions in a very even team effort to Paddy Ford, Paul Sawyer, Paddy Wilcox and Leith Gudden. It was great to see both Dean Atkinson and David Griffiths both play well in their first games for the Club for quite some time. We also welcomed back Chris Stubbs and Damien Burnett. Thanks to Jarrah Allan and Josh Mazur for helping out on the sidelines – appreciated boy’s!
The Senior side were also pumped up for a good showing and were looking for a much needed victory. They started the better of the two sides ad soon had banged on 4 goals to lead by 13 points at the first break. The Hawks hit back hard and played the better football in the second term to only trail by a goal at the long break. Coach Tyrrell was very composed and impressed upon the side that a good third term was vital. In an entertaining quarter, both sides went goal for goal with the Port taking a 3 goal lead into the final break. The final term saw the Port shoot out to a good lead only to be eroded away with late goals by the Hawks, however time ran out and the Port recorded a much needed 17 point victory over the gritty Central Hawks team.
Better players included Ben Free (3 goals) who is in top form at present and he received good support from Will Ford and Jules Direen. Rhys Jennings and Jarryd Atkins were both busy all day while Jacob Brereton rucked well in a good game. Ben Halton returning from State duties finished with 4 majors while Dillon Davie also contributed 3 and Brad Watson 2.
We pass our thanks to the Central Hawks players and supporters who stayed back to support our Club, especially given the long road trip home. We always look forward to playing them and enjoy their company – thanks guy’s and good luck for the rest of the season!