Port Host Dodges Ferry Sharks
The Cygnet Football Club played host to the Dodges Ferry Sharks at Cygnet Oval last Saturday. The ground while soft underfoot had responded well to mild overnight weather and some breeze.
The Colts faced the daunting task of taking on the top side and had to do so with only 19 players, but this did not deter them in the slightest. The Sharks jumped out of the blocks but the young Port side was putting on plenty of pressure. By half time the young Sharks had built a 42 point lead, but had been made work hard all the way. Sam told the boy’s they needed to lift after the long break and they held the Sharks to 3 goals in the third term, however they also missed a number of shots on goal. The Port fought the game out till the final siren, even when down to 17 players, but the bigger stronger Dodges boy’s recorded a comfortable 88 point victory over the gallant Cygnet side. Better players included the consistent Sam Cook, Tom Slevin and Tyler Cowen, while Aaron Dance, Damian Duggan and Brendan Direen lent good support. Five payers kicked one goal each.
The Reserves lost a few players to the Seniors but only had to play one Colt which was pleasing. The importance of a good start was impressed upon them and only 11 points separated the sides at the first break with the Sharks in front. The Port lost their way in the second term and let the Sharks control the game to hold a 31 point break at half time. The third term was a fairly even affair but the Sharks looked home at three quarter time when holding a 34 point lead. With a couple of telling positional changes the Port believed they could run over the top of the Sharks who appeared to be tiring in the heavy conditions. This proved to be the case and with the Cygnet side taking control of the centre bounces and stoppages, slowly but surely the lead was reduced and the crowd were getting behind the locals. Luckily for the Sharks, time was to run out and the Port fell 14 points short of puling off what would have been a memorable victory. Full credit to Dodges Ferry who earned their victory in agame played in good spirits.
Better players for the Port included Krisco Harding who was impassable at full back and repelled many of the Sharks attacking moves. Craig Phillips continued his impressive form and Paddy Wilcox played a great vice-captains game in the back-line. David Griffiths in only his second game back with the Club was fantastic in the backline and almost single handedly got the Port home when moved onto the ball in the final term. Libba Paul with 3 goals was creative and dangerous near goal and Shaun Bird worked hard in the ruck and around the ground. Jamie Direen was the other multiple goal-kicker with 2. A special mention to Joe Shields in his first game back for the Club for a couple of years and Jarrah Allan who impressed in his first game in the Ports colours and should be a real asset to the team plus veteran James Shaw who filled in on the day.
The Senior side had a couple of late withdrawals that threw the sides balance a bit but the boy’s were still ready to have a crack at their more fancied rivals. The first term was fairly even with the Sharks holding a 12 point lead. A seven goal to three had stretched that margin to 40 points at half time. While the Port were finding plenty of the football, they were being hurt on turn-overs and mistakes by the Sharks. The Port faced a 51 point deficit at the final change. Coach Tyrrell pleaded with the side to win the quarter to takesoething from the match, however, as has happened before this season, the players did not heed his advice and the Sharks bombarded the goals kicking 7 goals and 9 points to record a big 96 point victory.
Better players for the Port included Will Ford who is really playing well in the back-line and Jules Direen who was at his desperate self all day. Ben Halton (5 goals) marked strongly and finished well from limited opportunities, while Mark Bradley was great in the back-line. Bradley Watson and Gerard Brereton both tried hard all day. Today we travel to Lindisfarne Oval to take on the Two Blues in what should be another 3 keenly contested matches. We hope to see our supporters make the trip and encourage all players and supporters into the Lindisfarne clubrooms after the senior match.
COLTS
First quarter Cygnet 2.0 12 Dodges 6.2 38
Second quarter Cygnet 4.0 24 Dodges 10.6 66
Third quarter Cygnet 4.0 24 Dodges 13.13 91
Final Score Cygnet 5.0 30 Dodges 17.16 118
Match Synopsis .... An improved effort this week with periods of play where our boys matched the competition leaders.
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RESERVES
First quarter Cygnet 2.2 14 Dodges 4.1 25
Second quarter Cygnet 3.2 20 Dodges 8.3 51
Third quarter Cygnet 5.6 36 Dodges 11.4 70
Final Score Cygnet 9.9 63 Dodges 12.5 77
Match Synopsis .... a fantastic game of the highest quality football causing a 100 point turn-around from the previous encounter. Great job guys !!