James Murphy
PORT MACDONNELL 12.15 (87) d TANTANOOLA 10.4 (64)
WHILE all four A Grade matches in Round 16 of Mid South Eastern football went as expected, the winning margins were considerably less than anticipated.
That was certainly the case at Tantanoola when the home side welcomed an in-form Port MacDonnell to its oval.
The Demons have claimed some big scalps in recent weeks, with wins over ladder leader Hatherleigh and second-placed Robe in its previous two outings.
As such Port MacDonnell was expected to claim a percentage-boosting win over the Tigers, who just last round succumbed to Nangwarry.
However, Tantanoola refused to back down and besides a third-quarter lapse, kept pace with the Demons throughout the clash.
An inaccurate start from Port MacDonnell prevented it from running away early, scoring just one goal to seven behinds.
A 2.1 return from the Tigers kept them in touch and at quarter time it was 13 points apiece.
It was a similar story in the second term and while the Demons dialled in their accuracy to score three-goals-three, another three majors from Tantanoola kept scores close.
It was a two-point game at half time but Port MacDonnell would extend that lead substantially in the “premiership” quarter.
The visitors held their rival to just a single behind for the term, while piling on five-goals-five to break open the game.
Heading into the final stanza the Demons enjoyed a six-goal lead but the Tigers were not ready to roll over yet.
They put in their best scoring effort in the fourth quarter with five goals and a behind.
It was an impressive output, but Port MacDonnell managed to keep Tantanoola at arm’s length with three goals of its own to see the final margin at 23 points.
Christian Howlett had another good day in front of goals for the Demons and he top scored for the match with four majors.
Tim Sullivan also impressed with three goals and second best for his side, while it was the efforts of another tall man in Will Macdonald which received the best-on-ground title.
Macdonald was at his usual best, with strong contested marks and good use of the footy at ground level.
Howlett also featured highly in the best players, with Colby Munro, Kyall McClean and Riley Morgan completing the list.
Tantanoola looked to Troy Hatt on the day, with Jordan Hatt also impressive to be named second best.
Jack Cytrowski and Bradyn Hateley were also solid, with the latter top scoring for the Tigers with three goals.
Cytrowski scored two majors, as did Corey Baker, while Ethan Bowman and James MacDonald rounded out the best.
The win keeps Port MacDonnell a win clear in third position with two rounds to play, while finals have long been out of the picture for the Tigers.
