Port and Breakers ready to go again next week
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Port Macquarie Magpies’ first win over Coffs Harbour Breakers since round six has set the scene beautifully for an almighty clash between the two teams in next week’s Qualifying Semi Final.
Port knew they needed to win this final round encounter to give themselves a confidence boost heading into the Finals. The Magpies now realise that they can be a real threat and that two more performances like this one could lead to Premiership glory.
After an even first quarter Port were able to limit the Breakers to just three behinds in the second term as they added four goals to their tally to take a handy 25 point lead into half time. Breakers surged in the third stanza with six goals to one to hold an eight point lead at the last break. The Magpies needed to dig deep and they did exactly that. A five goal to nil last quarter proving decisive as the home team claimed a 20 point win.
This was a fitting way for the Magpies to celebrate the milestones of Jesse Schmidt (200 matches) and Rod Sonogan (100 matches). Schmidt celebrated his big day with three goals, and was joined on this tally by Kaleb Crowhurst and Braden Saggers.
Breakers normal forward line output was down, with only Brett Vella and Ben Gibbeson able to kick multiple goals with two each. Inaccuracy cost the Breakers dearly as they managed five more scoring shots than Port but couldn’t steer enough between the big sticks.
Port Macquarie Magpies 12.8 (80) defeated Coffs Harbour Breakers 7.18 (60)
Katika Adams provided a goal kicking masterclass in the first quarter of the Women’s match to set the Breakers on the path to victory over Port.
Everything the captain did in the first term turned to gold. Her five goals straight not only represented the Breakers team tally for the term, it also gave the team a 30 point lead as the miserly defence ensured that Port didn’t get underway.
Port were able to open their account in the second term. Their one goal scored against one behind for Breakers meant they still had a mountain of work to do in the second half, and when Breakers added three goals in the third term the result was beyond doubt.
Adams finished with six goals to her name, whilst Amy Johanson and Emily Conlan each kicked one.
For Port Macquarie, Anishah Burnes and Katherine Winterbottom managed one goal apiece on a disappointing day for the home team.
Coffs Harbour Breakers 8.2 (50) defeated Port Macquarie Magpies 2.4 (16)
A report on the round 15 fixtures between Grafton/Northern Beaches and Sawtell will appear online on Wednesday (21 August).
For full results click here.