The Cygnet Football Club travelled to Abbotsfield Park last Saturday to take on Claremont, and left empty handed apart from another determined win by the Port’s young Colt’s side. The Cygnet youngsters kept their unbeaten record intact with a strong win over the Magpies, but had to work hard to shake off the Claremont side that were providing a real contest, in particular in the first half of the match. It took till the third quarter for the boy’s to break the game open with six goals, which took the steam out of the gallant Magpie side. In the end, the Port recorded a very good 52 point victory. Best players for the Port included Joe Shields who finished off his good work with 4 goals, ably supported by Tom Nichols and Sam Dean who both picked up numerous possessions around the ground. Ben Halton (4 goals), Will Ford (2 goals) and Max Carter (3 goals) continued their good form, and provided the side numerous avenues to goal. Congratulations to the Claremont Football Club on fielding a side this season, and a competitive one at that. The Reserves took the field with only 14 players due to injury, work commitments and some players who did not show and, unfortunately for the Club, a number of Colts players had to “double up’’ and play two games for the day. As a result, while every player did not take a backward step and fought hard all day, they were no match for the Claremont side who went on to record a massive 161 point wins. The Port were best served by Brad Cordwell who run himself into the ground trying to rally his teammates while Nathan Clark and Johnny McMullen both made the Claremont side work hard for their possessions. Peter Roberts provide a typical gutsy display in the ruck while Stuart Eaton and Sam Haughland were overworked in defence by the relentless Magpie team. Peter Roberts kicked the team’s only goal that came in the last quarter. Again, the Club sincerely thanks the Colts players for their efforts in playing two games, but this is of major concern for the Club and cannot continue. We need depth to cover an array of injuries at present, and any players willing to help the Club out would be most welcome at training this Thursday night. At least the sight of two new players on the track last Thursday night will hopefully provide the Club some much needed relief. Well done to Jurder and the boy’s, keep battling away and we will turn the corner, hopefully with a win this weekend. The Seniors started their match with coach “’Pud” Darcy and assistant Billy Lamprill on the sidelines through injury, however they were determined to get a good start against the Magpies. The Claremont side with the aid of a slight breeze only held a 3 goal lead at the first change, largely thanks to a desperate backline led by Dean Townsend. The Port were playing well in bursts but costly turnovers allowed the Magpies to hurt us on the scoreboard and they kicked away to hold a 5 goal lead at half time. The Port while battling hard and providing some good passages of play could not make up any headway and with a 9 goal last quarter the Pies kicked away to win by 71 points. Best players for the Port were Bradley Watson who was at his best in an under on his return game for the Club, while Matty Cane was very good when moved to the backline after starting the match up forward. Tim Bone continued his good form while Rhys Jennings, Dean Townsend and Rhys Synnott tackled and ran hard all day. Goals were shared by Cade Ebdon who kicked 4 from a forward pocket while Aaron Creek added 3. Sam Walter, Rhys Synnott and Sean Townsend at full-forward all kicked two each. An honest performance, and with the return of up to 3 or 4 key players this weekend, the Port are determined to mount a challenge to the Central Hawks at home, hopefully winning all three games in front of a large crowd. See you all there. “Support the Port”

PORT VOLUNTEER OF THE WEEK:

This week’s volunteer of the week is Dr John Wilkins. John, a long time supporter and life member of the Cygnet Football Club rarely misses a match, and has assisted many players through serious injury, both on and off the ground. The Club is extremely lucky to have a dedicated Doctor at all of its games. John’s is part of a larger team that assists the Club and other volunteers will be acknowledged in future article.