James Murphy
ROBE 12.12 (84) d PORT MACDONNELL 10.8 (68)
THE battle of the seasiders did not fail to impress when Port MacDonnell hosted Robe for Round 3 of Mid South Eastern football.
Both teams have recruited well and are under new coaches and their eventual meeting has been highly anticipated.
Robe entered the round fresh off a win over reigning premier Kalangadoo, while the “Bay” had also started well with two solid wins to kickstart this campaign.
Stakes were high with an early top spot available for the victor and the Roosters grabbed the chance with both hands.
It did not come easily and despite leading by eight at the first change, Port MacDonnell turned things around in the second quarter.
The Demons piled on five goals to Robe’s two and at the half time break the hosts held an 11-point advantage.
However, they found themselves locked down in the third term and the Roosters restricted them to just a single behind in that period.
Meanwhile the guests found plenty of avenue to goal and converted four of their seven opportunities at goal.
Coach Nathan Brown and Hamish Smith led the charge and the pair finished the day with six and three majors respectively.
Heading into the last with a 16-point buffer the Roosters did well to keep the Demons at arm’s length and with three goals each the scoreline remained at 16.
Brown was handed the best-on-ground honours by Robe selectors – for the second time from three games – with his skills and smarts showing the Roosters are in capable hands.
Kaden Woodward was another impressive performer for the victors and was joined by Henry Lawrie, Jordan Pettit and Bailey Walker in the top order.
For Port MacDonnell it was also a new recruit who led the way, with Colby Munro named as best.
His pace out of the middle is a trademark for the young Demon and he also popped up with a goal.
Will MacDonald was the leading scorer for the home team and the tall man finished his day with four, while coach Josh Woodall bagged two.
Mark Smith backed up his efforts from the previous round and featured highly, while Wade Chant’s defensive efforts were top notch.
MacDonald, Zack Williams and Tim Sullivan also made the cut with solid outings.
Robe will now carry confidence into next week’s meeting with Hatherleigh, while the Demons will look to prove themselves against Mount Burr.
