Port seal first win in thriller, Breakers roll on

The Port Macquarie Magpies have registered their first win  for 2020, with a nail-biting one point victory against the fast finishing Grafton Tigers.

The Magpies maiden win for the season is also the first in the top grade for rookie coach Blake nelson who was best served by young gun Max Bylsma, the ever green Jesse Schmidt, and Ryan Barnett.

Port raced out of the blocks early, with a five goal to one opening quarter, taking a 25 point lead into quarter time. A tight second quarter saw each side only add one major, with Port retaining their quarter time margin into the main break.

The Tigers hit back in the third quarter, winning the term and giving themselves a sniff at their third straight win, going into the last change only 18 points down. Early last quarter goals saw all the momentum with the visiting Tigers, as they hit the lead for the first time, before Port steadied late in front of their home fans. A six goal straight last quarter from Grafton saw them fall agonisingly short, with Port’s one point victory getting them off the mark for season 2020.

Key goal kickers for the Magpies were Jesse Schmidt, captain Kye Taylor, and Braden Saggers with two each.

Grafton were missing a number of key players including both of the Holder brothers, Ben and Chris, Mitch Lollback, Evan Whitty, and Blake Richards, but those who played gave themselves every chance at the win. Doug Perich and Noah Swarski each kicked three goals, whilst Sam Morrison added two.

Port Macquarie Magpies 11.9 (75) defeated Grafton Tigers 11.8 (74)

In the Women’s competition, the Coffs Harbour Breakers continued their unbeaten start to the season, registering a comfortable victory against the Northern Beaches Blues at Centennial Oval.

The Breakers were wasteful early, registering two goals eight behinds until half time, but their defence held firm, keeping the hosts scoreless at the main break.

The Blues kicked their first goal in the third term, to get within 18 points at three quarter time, but the Breakers kicked away with another two goals in the last quarter.

Emily Pavey, in her debut season, was the only multiple goal kicker for the game, finishing with two.

Coffs Harbour Breakers 5.12 (42) defeated Northern Beaches Blues 1.2 (8)