Sport
17 April, 2025
Undermanned Bloods go down to Portland
DESPITE a 34-point loss for Terang Mortlake at Hanlon Park in Portland on Saturday, Bloods coach Lewis Taylor was happy with the efforts of his undermanned team.
“We responded well from the week before (round one loss to Camperdown), felt like we were on top until half time but just couldn't keep up with what appears to be a very strong Portland team in the second half,” Taylor said.
“We coped pretty well with the heat; cramping wasn't a big issue which is a credit to the boys’ fitness.”
Taylor was full of praise for the talented Bloods teenagers in the lineup.
“Charlie Kenna was superb and has adapted to senior football incredibly well; Darcy Hutchinson really showed a lot and we like what we are seeing from Josh Slater and Max Heffernan too.
“Our progress will be gradual, we're confident in the guys that we've got.”
Looking ahead to their next game, an ANZAC Day fixture against Cobden at Mortlake, Taylor was excited by the marquee game.
“The ANZAC Day game will be a cracker, really looking forward to it, it’s always a big day when we play Cobden.
“Having the 50-year reunion of the 1975 Mortlake premiership will make the day even more special.”
Final scores last weekend were Portland 14.15.99 to Terang Mortlake 8.17.65.
Best players for the Bloods were Rhys Buck, Charlie Kenna, Darcy Hobbs, Alexander Moloney, Joe Arundell and Ryley Hutchins.
Tyler Vickers, Lewis Taylor, Ryley Hutchins, Rhys Buck, Darcy Hutchins, Zeke Reeves, Charlie Kenna and Lachlan McLeod kicked a goal apiece.
In the other football results, Portland had wins in the reserves, under 18s and under 14s, with Terang Mortlake victorious in the under 16s and under 12s.
In the open netball match, Portland won 52 to 42; 2024 best and fairest winner Eboni Knight shooting 25 goals in her 50th match for the Bloods.
Portland had wins in the division one and under 17 netball matches, with Terang Mortlake taking the points in division two, division three, under 15 and under 13 netball.