It was a cold, miserable day at North Ballarat for the Port faithful who made the trek to the ground. The Roosters kicked away early in the first quarter, and Port never got a look in.
Rocca in particular looked like having a day out, but a twinged hammy meant that he took no part for the remainder of the match.
Positives for Port were the outstanding work of Ryan McMahon, who I woudl say has been in career best form in recent weeks, while Robbie Cheevers continues to do well, making a contest every time.
Billy Morrison also showed signs of improvement. He presented well, leading and taking marks. Consistency is now something I'm sure the club would be looking for from him.
[b]North Ballarat 6.4 11.6 15.7 24.12 (156)
Port Melbourne 0.4 1.5 4.7 5.7 (37)[/b]
BEST:
North Ballarat: Sharkey Jamison Swallow Harding Watson Clifton
Port Melbourne: McMahon Pinwill Cheevers Raines Carlyle Morrison
GOALS:
North Ballarat: Rocca 4 Harding 4 Watson 2 Le Cras 2 McConnell 2 Moloney 2 Stephenson Urch Swallow Whyman Perkins Schwarze Searl Clifton
Port Melbourne: Hazell Pleming Pitt Carlyle Smith
In the reserves, the Borough registered win number one for the season. Nathan Saunders lined up for the Roosters two's and finished with 3 goals.
After an even first three quarters, the Borough kicked away in the last ten minutes of the final term, but still remain at the bottom of the ladder.
The big loss from the senior side, will throw up some selection issues for the club during the week.
[b]North Ballarat 4.2 7.9 9.11 14.17 (101)
Port Melbourne 3.1 4.5 9.8 16.14 (110)[/b]
BEST:
North Ballarat: Limb Foster Cantwell Moloney Dignan Power
Port Melbourne: Monteath Evans Dwyer Bloomfield McGlynn Smith
GOALS:
North Ballarat: Saunders 3 Moloney 3 Limb 2 Feery Spolding Doyle Foster Riggio Burchell
Port Melbourne: Langford 3 Cain 3 Gilham 2 Dwyer 2 Waldron Bloomfield Hooker Monteath McGlynn Smith
REPORTED PLAYERS:
North Ballarat: M. Power (North Ballarat) for striking N. Smith (Port Melbourne)during the third quarter.
Port Melbourne: N. Smith (Port Melbourne)for striking M. Power (North Ballarat) during the third quarter.
Forums
Yes ons. I thought Ryan McMahon had a very good day in a disapointing loss.
I also thought Carlyle batted very hard all day in the ruck
Just looking at the score, it looked like it was just a sad day for Port Melbourne and really do hope that the Borough can play some consistent football soon.
Carlyle, someone who I have read out and followed since he played in the WAFL good pickup by the Borough.
Had a good article on him by Paul Amy in Inside Football, Warren has half his family with him on the player list at the club.
Tough day Ben, no doubt about that! Despite the loss, I am still pretty upbeat about posting a few more wins this season. The game was lost in that first quarter, with Sav absolutely dominating.
Regarding Carlyle, it has been a mighty effort from him this year. I haven't seen Paul Amy's article, but the Record had a good piece on him in last weeks edition.
Also look for one or two more players to make their debut in the next few weeks.
Another positive was the return of Brayden Shaw in the two's after a knee injury.