“Port Take it Up to Two Blues”
It was an injury and sickness plagued ‘Cygnet Community Bank Football Club’ that travelled
to Anzac Park last Saturday to front up to the strong Lindisfarne teams on an oval that has
been a nemesis of the Club for some time. It was also a home-coming of sorts for Cygnet
Coach Gavin Quirk, coaching against his former team and great mate Daniel Willing for the
first time in a head to head battle at SFL level.
The Reserves had a couple of experienced inclusions to help cover their losses, most notable
being Cygnet champion forward ‘’Pud’’ Darcy for his first game of the season and talented
youngster Corey Polley plus Club great Matty Brereton to field a full side. The side started
pretty really well in their game against the home team. The Port boys were showing plenty of
determination and courage, but were finding it hard to find goals when they went forward.
They trailed by 26 points at the first break, but held their own in the second term with the
Two Blues holding a 20 point half-time lead. Lindisfarne slipped away in the third term, and
with 3 goals and a number of points to the Ports solitary point, looked in the box seat at three
quarter time. However, the Port showed some real fight and spirit in the final quarter for
Coach Sticks Clark, and fought the match out bravely winning the final term to only go down
by 24 points at the final siren. Better players were veteran Grant Clark who racked up
numerous possessions, while Tom Bannister had a great game and dominated all day. Corey
Polley showed his class in his return while ‘’Pud’’ Darcy with two majors showed he still has
the ability to create issues for the opposition. Luke Smith and Aaron Dance rounded out a
really good team effort. Other goal-kickers included Ben Smith, Shane Clark and Josh Mazur
with 1 apiece.
The Reserves set the platform for the Seniors who most pundits were tipping to be thrashed
by the Blues on their home turf. Coach, Quirk was adamant the boys improve on their effort
against Huonville, and this was evident from the first bounce. Scores were level at the first
break while the Port went to the long break 2 points in front, and making the Two Blues
brains trust work overtime. Lindisfarne obviously received a rev-up from Coach Willing, and
came out fired up in the third term. The Port had a few lapses in concentration allowing the
Blues to take a 19 point lead into the final term – but the Port were far from out of the game.
Coach Quirk challenged his charges to over-run the blues in the final term, and the Cygnet
side stormed home in the final term with Hayes dominating, and Jennings providing great
drive. They threw everything at the Lindisfarne team they could muster. Some poor choices at
critical times and a few vital mistakes and poor shots on goal eventuated, but the Port looked
like they would pull off a major upset with minutes to go. With a kick in the game, the final
siren blew denying the Port the 4 premiership points, and the Two Blues fell over the line by
a mere 4 points. Braden Hayes showed his class and has been a great addition to the Port
finishing a fantastic game with 4 classy goals, while Rhys Jennings is having another very
consistent season. Sam Williams played a really strong game and Cam Wilcox played his best
game of the season. Veteran Jules Direen gave the young side some much needed confidence
around the football while Josh Doyle continues to develop into a fine young reliable defender.
Others to hit the scoreboard with Hayes included young forward Joe Direen with 2, while
Gav Quirk and Ollie Burke both kicked 1 apiece in a valiant team effort but just cruelly
falling short in a much improved effort by the side.
This week is the long-weekend bye with all teams having a well-deserved break while the
representative match is played. We congratulate, Mitch Direen, Gav Quirk and Braden Hayes
who have made the representative squad. We wish them the very best if they make the side.
Our next match is at home on Saturday 13 June, and will be a huge day when we host the
Hobart Football Club in front of a number of past players and legends and champions of the
Club. This is a great day when the players always rise in performance, and will be looking for
two wins over an improving Hobart. Get along for what is a great celebration for the Club,
and the day will also be a ‘’reunion’’ of the 2005 team coached by Anthony Cole that lost the
Grand Final to Kermandie by a small margin in what many remember as one of the best ever
seen at North Hobart Oval.
Dipper’s coming to Past Players and Supporters function
The count-down is on! Have you booked your ticket for the Cygnet FC Past Players and
Supporters function on Saturday 13th June, where Hawk’s legend Robert ‘Dipper’
DiPierdomenico will be the guest speaker? Imagine playing a game with a
punctured/collapsed lung, such was this man’s toughness and determination during one of his
Grand Finals! Thanks to Trent and Michelle from Cowen’s Drapery for their support of what
promises to be a great day. Raffle prizes on the day will include a Hawthorn jumper signed by
Dipper as well as a framed photograph. There will be no door sales and tickets must be
booked and paid for before the day. Partners are also most welcome. Tickets are limited and
selling fast, so make sure you book and pay early to avoid missing out!
For bookings contact John Synnott on 0400 797164 or [email protected] or Denis
Brereton on 0419 046 127.
We would also like to sincerely thank the Kingborough Tigers Football Club who have
generously agreed to change its home games so the Tigers Under 16s will now play the
Southern Storm Under 16s on Saturday 13th June, our Past Players & Supporters day.
Young Players Doing ‘’The Port’’ Proud
Cygnet Coach Gavin Quirk is working hard on placing the building blocks in place for this
and next season with the ‘’blooding’’ of a number of young Under 17 players into senior
football this season. Toby Cowen, Jack Bester, Joe Direen & Paddy O’Neill are all playing
seniors for Cygnet this season, with Toby, Jack & Paddy making their debuts this season,
while Joe played much of last season in the senior team. Three of the boys have been selected
in the squad for the Southern Under 18 representative match to be played over the longweekend. The future of the Club is all the better with the development of these players
against quality opposition in which they are holding their own – well done boy’s and
congratulations!
Pictured left to right: Toby Cowen, Jack Bester, Joe Direen & Paddy O’Neill
Trivia Night & DJ
Keep your diaries clear for a night of fun and laughter at the Clubrooms on Saturday 27 June
when the Club hosts its trivia and DJ night. Entry is $10.00 per person, with a maximum of 6
on each trivia table. Get your teams and names together now! There will be some great prizes
on the night. The function commences at 7.00pm with the first question at 7.30pm followed
by lots of music and dancing. All welcome for a great night! See Sticks Clark to register your
teams now.
Major Sponsor: Cygnet ‘’Top’’ Hotel
Naming Rights Sponsor: The Huon Valley Community Bendigo Bank
Associate Sponsors: Tascon, Duggans Pty Ltd, Southern Smash Repairs, Abel Labels,
Cowen’s Drapery, B & T Glass, Cygnet Water Cartage, Cygnet Newsagency, Festival IGA
Everyday and Aaron Gordon
Weekly Award Donors: Damien Steele, Phillip & Loretta Wilcox [Wilcox Electrical], Bill
Cribbin’s BP Cygnet, Roys Bits of Old Pizza, R & D Meats, Devour Takeaway, Double
Delight Bakery
‘’Support the Port in 2015’’