Big clashes in Port don’t disappoint

Photo courtesy Paul Jobber, Port News

Saturday’s fixtures at Port Macquarie delivered on their promise with two classic encounters played in front of a strong crowd. Coffs Harbour Breakers walked away the happiest of the two clubs after claiming wins over Port Macquarie Magpies in both the Seniors and Women’s matches.

In the Senior Men’s match the Breakers claimed a come from behind win that will instill even further belief into the playing group.

Port held the slenderest of margins at quarter time which they were able to extend to ten points by the main break. By this stage the Magpies had 15 scoring shots against the Breakers ten but inaccurate finishing in the second stanza meant that the margin was much less than it should have been. Both teams suffered with the goal kicking yips in the third term and Port went to the last break with a handy 16 point advantage.

Breakers coach David Velt called for a herculean effort in the last quarter and his players duly delivered. Having only kicked six goals across the first three quarters of the match the Breakers suddenly clicked into gear and managed to land seven majors in the final term to over power Port and claim a 20 point victory.

Port contributed to the final result with their inaccurate kicking for goal. Both teams had 23 scoring shots for the match but Port’s tally of nine goals, fourteen behinds meant they didn’t ever hold the dominant lead that some of their early play deserved.

Shaydan Close kicked three goals for Breakers, while returning duo Gabe Ellicott and Jacob Sincock had three and two goals respectively.

Port coach Tom Marmo will be frustrated by the result but happy with much of the effort. Luke Boxhall made a rare foray into the Senior grade to kick three goals while six other players kicked one goal each.

Coffs Harbour Breakers 13.10 (88) defeated Port Macquarie Magpies 9.14 (68)

Considering how similar the Men’s and Women’s seasons of these two clubs have been it was unsurprising that the Women’s match told a similar tale.

The best match of the season to date was tight throughout with neither team able to get the jump on their opponent. Port had the majority of play but couldn’t match the physicality of the Breakers, and were ultimately undone by poor kicking for goal.

The Breakers opened strongly, kicking the first goal of the match in the opening quarter to hold a seven point lead at quarter time. Ultimately, that Danielle Watson goal would prove the difference as neither team was able to land another major across the rest of the match.

Port kicked into gear after the first break and held the advantage in both possession and territory for the majority of the match from that point. The Magpies were able to limit the Breakers to a solitary behind in each of the remaining three quarters but couldn’t land the killer blow in the absence of key forward Anishah Burnes. Port kicked three behinds in the second quarter but could only manage single behinds in both the third and fourth terms.

At matches end both teams had six scoring shots but the Breakers early goal ensured they came away with a narrow five point win that sees them resume top spot on the ladder.

Coffs Harbour Breakers 1.5 (11) defeated Port Macquarie Magpies 0.6 (6)

A report on the matches between Sawtell Toormina Saints and Grafton Tigers/Northern Beaches will appear online on Tuesday (25 June).

For full results click here.