Freezing cold weather greeted the Dodges Ferry Sharks last Saturday at Cygnet Oval with much of the ground still frost laden for the Colts match. In what proved to be a great tussle between two sides desperate for the four points the Cygnet side managed to scrape over the line by 1 point at the final siren. There was very little between both side for the whole match, with the Port getting in front only to be pegged back and then Dodges claiming the lead only for the Port to hit back. Late goals to two of the youngest players in the side, Jacob Brereton and Tyler Cowen iced the win in a desperate finish. Better players for the Port included Sam Dean who run hard and tackled well all day for his side and he received good support from ruck-man Loic Auderset. Tom Nichols rebounded the ball from defence on countless occasions, while Ben Halton, Adam Duggan and and Tyler Cowen were solid contributors. Goals were hard to find but Ben Halton finished with 3 and was the sides only multiple goal-kicker. The Reserves again had to call on some Colt’s players to field a side, but nevertheless they appeared fired up ready for a red hot dip at the Dodges team. They started really well and at one stage before half time held a 30 point lead and appeared in control of the match, but Dodges determination could not be underestimated and they clawed their way back into the game. After the long break the Sharks started to find loose players running into their forward line and easy goals allowed them to get their noses in front and eventually pull away to record a fighting 38 point victory. Best for the Port included Matty Dance and Peter Roberts who both threw themselves into packs to win the hard ball, while Sam Calvert continued his excellent form on a wing. Fifteen year old Tyler Cowen, playing his second game of the day, played some great football against bigger opposition, while the ever reliable James Shaw often took on and beat 3 to 4 opponents in the backline. Nathan Clark was a good contributor after his return from injury. Sam Calvert capped another impressive game with 5 clever goals while Jason Strong and Tyler Cowen both added 2 each. It was a really disappointing result for Coach, Andrew Jurd and the players, as the side was well in control of the game but in the end let it slip. More players are needed on the training track so this does not re-occur, but full credit to the boy’s who train and go out each week and give their all for the Port. The Seniors knew they were facing up to a well coached, fit and well drilled Dodges Ferry outfit, but were still confident of a good showing despite having a number of players unavailable through injury. The Sharks were first onto the scoreboard with a quick centre clearance and goal, and it appeared as if they were in for a big term, but the Port lifted and kicked two goals to keep the game in the balance at quarter time. Six goals to one in the second term to the Sharks is where the match was lost, and the Dodges side looked too fast and skilful and were running in numbers all over the ground. While the Port put together some good passages of play, poor disposal and over-finessing with the football created turnovers that the Sharks took full advantage of, and hurt us on the score-board. The second half provided little joy for the coaching staff and supporters with the Sharks piling on 16 goals to 4 to run away and record a big 137 point victory. Better players were hard to find, but Ben Dean was tremendous with his endeavour, second and third efforts and run from the backline. Bradley Watson had run himself into the ground by games end, and was really strong at the centre bounces and stoppages. Rhys Synnott was another player who ran hard, both ways, while Shane Clark was disciplined in a tagging role. Paul Cowen was really good in the back half while Gerard Brereton won his fair share of taps in the ruck, often out-rucking one of the competitions best. Coach “ Pud” Darcy’s 6 goals in a losing side should not go unnoticed and there were few other avenues to goal for the Port. A disappointing result but the Port will continue on, and with the younger players chasing quality opposition this season, should assist in the Port’s efforts in building to bigger and better things in 2009. This Saturday, football is again at Cygnet Oval, with the Port keen to turn the tables on an ever improving Triabunna side, and bring up our third win for the season. Hopefully the weather may be a little kinder for the Triabunna side’s long road trip! The Club will be holding a function at the clubrooms on AFL Grand Final Day, with financial incentives for early bookings. For further information please contact committee members. “Support the Port”

PORT VOLUNTEER OF THE WEEK

This week we acknowledge the Port Cygnet Lions Club, and the great job they do in manning the gate for the Club at home games. In rain, hail or shine they can be found (sometimes with the fire-pot going) undertaking their duties to a high standard. Their contribution to the running of the Club is appreciated.