THEY didn’t come away with valuable competition points but Port Stephens Power’s fledgling AFL senior men’s team can take a bow after figuring in a third round thriller against Cardiff Hawks thirds in Hunter Central Coast Black Diamond Plate action at Pasterfield Sports Complex.
Cardiff edged out the Power 11.9 (75) to 11.6 (72) in a crackerjack contest to claim their first win of the season and to move into the top six.
Strong performances from Hawks’ mainstays Sam Kenny, Max Kocon, Matt Dippolito, Andrew Risby, Zac Moore and Jamie Gilkes paved the way for a pulsating victory in a classic contest.
The Power were best served by durable ruck rover Reegan Connors, who booted six of his team’s 11 goals in a non-stop display, with support from Ben Frith and Riley Johnston.
Port Stephens men’s coach Tony Merritt told News Of The Area that there were “plenty of positives” to come out of the three point loss.
“The boys gave it their all in an evenly matched game and produced a spirited performance with massive contributions from the entire squad,” he said.
“They continue to improve as a team and build some confidence.”
Port Stephens senior women’s team suffered their first loss of the season when they were humbled 76-8 by Cardiff Hawks in the Black Diamond Plate Women’s series.
The Hawks booted 11 goals and 10 behinds in a rousing display led by Charlotte Day (four goals) with six pointers from Mattise Murray, Emily Treloar, Olivia Twyford, Anastasia Bachas, Kira Jones, Cheyenne Neu and Rebecca Voigt.
The lone goal scorer for the Power was Sacha Gratton.
Despite being outgunned across the park, the Port Stephens lineup had a solid core of warriors in vice captain Sarah Masiero and Emma Chester, Chantal Giepmans, Bronwyn Singh, Shakira Jobson and Nicole Honeysett.
By Chris KARAS
