Port Solid in Home Trials

After a disappointing week in where the first grade side went down to West Belconnen in the Country Challenge Cup, The Blacks bounced back with impressive trials against The Steelers Jersey Flegg team in First Grade and Dapto outfits in Reserve Grade and Under 18's.

The day of football was played in miserable conditions with rain persisting during all three games. The ground was slippery and in some places a little heavy underfoot, making it not only a good hit-out for the teams involved, but also a good workout.

The Wollongong Asphalts Under 18's Blacks got the day under way with an impressive game of football against Dapto. Dapto were without a number of players still on SG Ball commitments, while Port's main strike weapon in Christian Kupenga was absent for the same reason. However, these absences did not detract from a good game of trial football.

Port were solid in defence, not allowing Dapto to cross their try line in the opening 30 minutes. Port were able to cross for two tries, the second a 90 metre effort to Joseph Gander who busted the Dapto line and then out-ran his opposition for a good score. In all, the display shown by Port suggested that they would definitely compete for a Semi-Final place in this year's competition - just reward for guys from last year who stuck around like Kane Armstrong, Corey Condon and Neil Sumner.

For Port, Joseph Gander and Kane Armstrong had good games as did Keith Lulia.

Seconds saw an abbreviated game of football due to the Dapto side being undermanned. Playing in the second round of the Country Challenge Cup in Musswelbrook yesterday evening,Dapto were without up to seven regular reserve graders, backing up for the first grade team in Musswelbrook. Still, Wayne Harvey's side looked good in most aspects of the gaem. Ball handling was a little off, but that was to be expected in the wet conditions.

Don Kane stood out for the home team, while Matt Richards schemed wonderfully at half back. New recruit Glenn McPhee also impressed.

First Grade saw an entertaining game flow from end to end. At times, the game turned into an armwrestle with both teams slogging it out. John Cross's Steelers outfit showed great skill and discipline, smothering The Blacks in tackles and dominating the ruck when in defence. In the end, Port held a slender lead before the Steelers Jersey Flegg side scored two late tries to take the match. In their first games for the club, Juita Suka and Nathan Heffernan impressed, while Mark Simon, back in the Blacks strip at Noel Mulligan Oval for the first time in two years, kicked well striking two touch line conversions for the home side. Lulia Lulia stepped up to make an impressive first grade debut as did fellow Berkeley recruit Luke Roberts.

Port's next trial will be again at Noel Mulligan Oval on Sunday 14th March when they host the Gerringong Lions. 18's start at 1.00pm, Reserve Grade at 2.30pm and First Grade starting at 4.00pm.