Mixed Results From Road Trip
The Cygnet Football Club ventured to Lauderdale Oval for the first time for quite a few years to meet the East Coast Bombers last Saturday in ideal football conditions.
The Colts ... kicked of proceedings and struggled to get their team work going early against an invigorated young East Coast side but settled down to win much more of the football in the second term, but still found it hard to convert those possessions onto the scoreboard. In the second half, while the young Cygnet side played some good passages of football, the East Coast team with quite a few former TSL Colts started to show their superiority around the ground to go on to record a big win over the Cygnet side.
Better players for the Port included Jordan Direen, Adam Direen and Daniel Donato who all battled bravely while Cameron Norris played a good game since crossing from Kermandie.
The major goal-scorer was Alex Ford with 2.
This is a young developing side and with patience under Sam’s guidance they will eventually reap the rewards for listening and hard work on the training track.
A decimated Reserves side with up to 13 players missing from the previous weeks team due to illness, injuries, players moving up to play seniors and un-availability took to the field with six Colts doubling up and some players pulling the boots on to enable the Port to field a side - albeit one short on the bench.
The Port bolted out of the blocks kicking 5 goals to nil in the first term with young Jeremy Hickey starring with 3 goals. The second term saw the Bombers work their way back into the match courtesy of the slight breeze to the bottom end of the oval; however the Port still appeared to be relatively in control at half time. After the break the Bombers appeared to be rejuvenated but the Port stuck firm to hold a slender lead at the last break. From there it was goal for goal but when the Bombers hit the front the Port were fatiguing badly and fighting for their lives, especially the Colt’s who were out on their feet. The last 5 minutes was frantic and the Port had its chances, but the Bombers took the points in a close affair. While it was a gutsy effort it was disappointing in a lot of respects.
As the Huonville scribe stated in his notes recently, players need to be more dedicated and committed and start training two nights a week before the side will win more games of football. Coaches should not need to ring players each week to check availability for selection.
Better players included Jeremy Hickey who was fantastic after playing Colts and kicking 3 goals. He received great support from Timmy Bone and Libba Paul who both battled hard all day.
Veterans Adam Wills and Matty Brereton both showed they have not lost their ability and judgment while Craig Phillips also played well. The major goal-kicker was Jeremy Hickey with 3.
A sincere thank you to Matty, Adam, Shawry, Leith, Shannon Weir and Lewis Goss who played his first game for the Port and did really well in the ruck. To the Colt’s who could barely walk after 8 quarters of solid football a big thank you boy’s – you’re a credit to the Club!
The Seniors welcomed in Mitchell Direen and Andy Panton for their first games of the season. They were looking for a good start and they again achieved that with a 6 goal to 1 first term. The Bombers worked their way back into the match in the second term as the Port lost its structures and dropped its work rate.
Matt Tyrrell was furious at the half time break and let the players know about it. They responded well and regained their composure in the second half to pull away from a determined East Coast side with some inclusions from Lauderdale to win by 34 points.
Better players included Captain Bradley Watson whose work rate was outstanding all day while Jules Direen was tough in the clinches, tackled strongly and picked up numerous possessions. Cameron Wilcox was great in the ruck and around the ground while Dillon Davie worked tirelessly to find space and finished with 2 goals. Will Ford is gaining confidence in the backline and Ben Halton was the focal point with 6 very good goals.