A Grade

KIMBA v PORTS…Cool, overcast conditions greeted the players at Kimba in what was tipped to be a tough exciting game of football.

Both teams participated in the ‘Call to Arms’ day in which all players wore yellow armbands and gave a donation, to raise funds and awareness for the fight against cancer in men.

The game started in a fast and furious fashion, but it was Ports who settled first with a strong lead and mark to captain Cade Hartwig.

Jackson Kessling in his A grade debut for Kimba Districts, was creating pressure in the forward lines however Ports strong defence and run through the middle by Raikiwasa resulted in a mark and goal to Kalon Hartwig. Harris for the Tigers was outstanding at centre half back but couldn’t penetrate Ports rock solid half back line.

Tigers captain Mat Lienert finally marked inside 50 and goaled for Kimba Districts first major late in the quarter.

Kimba Districts opened up with the first goal of the second quarter through J. Kenchington however Ports responded quickly through K. Hartwig for his second.

The teams were trading goals before Lienert kicked two in succession to put the Tigers in front.

Kimba Districts had all the play late in the quarter and should’ve been further in front than four points going into the long break.

Kimba Districts continued its dominance in the third quarter with a long goal to Congdon after excellent ruck work from Chris Kenchington in the centre square.

Harris and Jericho were important players across half back for the Tigers as was Ports’ Leigh Parker whose hard running created the next goal.

Brad Masters, Evan Hunt and Wade Ramsey were lifting for Ports as the ball rebounded from each end. The Tigers went into the final quarter with a 13 point lead and looked hard to catch.

An early goal to Fitzgerald and Lienert’s sixth put the Tigers 33 points up as they continued to take charge of the game eventually running out victors by 37 points.

Umpires M. Franklin and J. Schaefer are to be congratulated for allowing a free flowing game of football that was enjoyable to watch.

For Ports, Parker and Masters were excellent throughout the game, while Fauser, Miller, Whittle and Hunt all worked hard. The Tigers had many outstanding players with Harris dominant at centre half back and C. Kenchington excellent in the ruck. Other good contributors were Fitzgerald, Jericho, Rodda, Congdon and Lienert.

Kimba Districts 13-11 (89) d Ports 7-7 (49)