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18's Eye Eagles The Wollongong Asphalt Port Kembla Under 18's Blacks team has started the 2004 competition on fire with two crushing victories over Helensburgh and University. In doing so, Port has scored over 120 points in the two matches while keeping a clean scoresheet for both weeks.
After a week off over the Easter break, the Blacks hit the paddock against Berkeley, and perhaps their biggest test so far this season. Together with Dapto, the three teams represent the only undefeated teams left in he competition after only two rounds. The Berkeley Eagles have been regular visitors to the Under 18's finals over recent seasons with their 2002 team defying the odds to defeat an unbeaten Wests team in the Grand Final. Then coach Chris Walsh is now the coaching co-ordinator with The Blacks, while a number of the players from last year's squad are now Blacks grade players, including Lulia Lulia, brother of Keith. Coach Paul Purcell is aware that Berkeley offers stronger opposition than Port's first two opponents - Helensburgh and University. In holding their position towards the top of the table, Berkeley have defeated Thirroul and Helensburgh. One could compare the two teams by their respective games against Helensburgh. Port overran the Tigers by 62-0 while Berkeley narrowly took their respective game by just 22-16. However, the Illawarra competition of late has shown that any team can cause an upset on their day.
The 2004 Port 18's offers a complete package and at this early stage of the season, are showing that they have what it takes to challenge for the title come the finals in September. But before that, Berkeley are stand in their way this Saturday at Noel Mulligan Oval.
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Port's
scoring has been led by Christian Kupenga, whose three tries and eight
goals sees him leading Keith Lulia (six tries) by two points. Kupenga had
18 points against University alone while Lulia scored four tries in the
same match. Osman Elmir has also chipped in with 18 points, Keiran Jack
has 14 and Joseph Gander 12.
Port
know that they will have to be on their game to maintain their lead at the
top of the competition. So far, Port's forwards have laid solid foundation
for their victories. Props Anthony Harris and Jon Koot have had a great
start to the season, and Keiran Jack is quickly developing into a handful
for opposition teams. Christian Kupenga and Matt Michalowski form one of
the most dynamic half pairings in the league and continue to guide Port's
play. In the backs, Keith Lulia and Oscar Ferreira have outplayed their
opposition hands down, while Joseph Gander has shown he has speed to burn.