PORT JUNIORS SPLIT RESULTS

Port Kembla went into today's round of Junior Semi Finals with two teams in the Majors. The two sides had differing results but both applied themselves well against strong and determined teams.

The Under 15's faced an undefeated St Georges Basin team in Nowra in their Major Semi Final. The Basin team have gone through the season undefeated sweeping all in front of them, and were expected to have an easy time against the Blacks side.

The Basin started off to expectations racing to a 24-0 lead and promising to post a cricket type score against Port. However, to their credit Port stuck it to St Georges Basin to stage a spirited comeback. In the end, it was not enough though, the early scoring spree by The Basin proving to be the difference. The final 36-26 scoreline was reflective of Port's committed fight back. The loss isn't the end for Port. They live to fight out the Preliminary Final next week for the right to face of with St Georges Basin in the Grand Final the week later.

The Under 16's were at home to Wests in their Major Semi Final. Port had gone through the season undefeated and were expected to  account for the Kon Demos coached Devils side (some Blacks fans may remember Demos as the last person to coach a successful Port Under 18's side).

Wests scored early to take the lead. The Red's commitment was intense and Port had to struggle hard to level the scores midway through the first half. Wests scored again to take a six point lead before another unconverted try gave them a 16-6 advantage at half time.

Port staged their comeback in the second half on the back of some strong forward play. Gavin Walsh crossed under the sticks to trim Wests lead to four points. The Devils then received a penalty ten from full time in good position for their goal kicker to extend their lead to six points.

With five left on the clock, Jordan Kupenga off-loaded brilliantly to Ivan Dungay who crossed the tryline under pressure from Wests defenders. The try was scored five metres in from touch, offering Aaron Griffith the chance to tie the scores with a difficult conversion. Griffith calmly piloted the ball between the uprights to level the scores at 18 a piece.

Both teams attempted field goals in the dying stages of the game without success, the match to be decided in two ten minute periods of extra time.

The first period went from one length of the field to the other, Wests showing their hand after just three minutes with a field goal to break the deadlock. The Blacks had a shot at penalty goal on the stroke of the bell, but the bal sailed wide. Wests went into the extra time break up by one point.

Port started the second half on the wrong foot when they kicked out on the full. Wests immediately went on the attack but could not breach the Blacks defence. In return, Port had their opportunities which they could not convert into points. Perhaps The Devils tried to shut up shop a little early with another field goal attempt four from full-time.

Then, with two minutes of play remaining, replacement player Danny Bailey received the final ball of a backline movement to cross in the left corner. The conversion attempt was unsuccessful, but Port had taken a three point lead with a minute remaining.

The restart bounced into touch giving Wests the scrum feed, but the final bell went before the two teams had the chance to pack down. Port were announced the winners and head straight to the Grand Final in two weeks with the chance to keep their undefeated season in check and be crowned the 2004 Under 16's premiers, in doing so defending their title from 2003.