BEST CLUB SEASON IN 35 YEARS

The Mighty Port Kembla Black's charge towards the 2004 title has seen the club deliver it's best season of club football in 35 years. Port's victory over Collegians in First Grade gave the proud club it's first Club Championship trophy since 1969.

First Grade ended the regular season inflicting Collegians second loss of the season (the only other was by Port in round 9 also). Port Kembla actually finished six points short of claiming the Minor Premiership also. That honour was taken out by Collegians who finished with a for and against differential of +357, just ahead of Port's +352.

Reserve Grade went into the final round against the Dogs having played some inspired football against Thirroul the week before. A win over Collegians would have secured a semi final appearance. A loss would see them hanging on the result of the Thirroul-University match, hoping that Uni could defeat The Butchers and give Port a chance of entry to the semi finals via a three way play off for fourth spot.

It was not to be, with Collegians capitalising on Port's mistakes and Thirroul getting over the top of University with the aide of an Aaron Beath try, the score in that match 16-8 to The Butchers.

The Under 18's were defeated by Wests in the final round but managed to hang on to second spot on percentages ahead of Berkeley who were beaten by Minor Premiers Dapto. With a week off, The Wollongong Asphalt Blacks will welcome back at least four players absent from the last few weeks for the Major Semi match up against The Canaries on Sunday 22nd August. Oscar Ferreira will be back from an overseas trip, Matt Michalowski and Joseph Gander are expected to return from injury and Kane Armstrong returns after serving a three game suspension.

In personal milestones, Mark Simon confounded everyone by taking out the Leading point scorer in First Grade. The enigmatic half injured himself in the round 13 match against Wests at Noel Mulligan Oval. Although missing the final five rounds of competition, Simon held out all challengers to take the award. Keith Lulia also looks to have wrapped up the same award in the Under 18's competition, despite not being the teams first choice goal kicker in the early rounds.

From a club perspective, there were also numerous milestones achieved. Keith Lulia and Matthew Michalowski made memorable debuts in the first grade side, both coming off the bench to provide good service for Coach Simon. Craig Simon himself has had a stellar coaching debut. Seen by some at the start of the year as a bit of a gamble, Simon has proven that he has the goods to deliver, and together with Coaching Co-Ordinator Chris Walsh must surely form one of, if not the most respected coaching duo in the league. Victor Daly brought up his 250th Grade game for the club, Ben Fera played his 100th Reserve Grade game, and Paul Lokys and Jason Sullivan both played their 50th First Grade game for Port Kembla. Mark Simon registered his 300th point for the club in less than two full seasons, Jason Sullivan racked up his 200th point for Port, and Paul Lokys and Craig Simon both reached 100 points for port in their career.

Port have also unearthed some exciting prospects for the Illawarra league. Lulia Lulia, Glenn McPhee and Luke Roberts are all Illawarra products and had their first taste of top grade football this year. All three impressed for Port. Clint Hill joined the club from the Wests Tigers and immediately made an impact as did last years Country Rugby League Player Of The Year, Johno Johnson. The former Scone and NSW Country hooker was a constant menace to all opposition and, together with Clint Hill and Grant Roberts, must come into contention for the Illawarra Tooheys league Player of The Year award.

With two teams left in the end of season deciders, the work isn't over for the club. The Finals schedule is below and updates will be posted on mightyblacks.com.au as they come to hand. GO THE BLACKS!!

FINAL SERIES
All games to be played at WIN Stadium