From www.localfooty.com.au
Reported by Paul Amy
Full Story click here
NO state players? No problem.
Despite resting a host of senior men preparing to represent the VFL, Port Melbourne was too strong for NT Thunder in their Foxtel Cup match at TIO Stadium in Darwin on Saturday, winning by 88 points.
After a tight first quarter, Port kicked nine goals on the reel to burn off the Thunder in the heat.
Sam O'Sullivan showed the way with a bag of seven, five before half-time.
Captain John Baird, Sam Pleming, Chris Cain, Sam Dwyer, Dean Galea, Billy Burstin, Shane Valenti and Wayde Skipper were rested ahead of their duties for the VFL team to play Tasmania in Hobart on Saturday.
And Adrian Bonaddio and Heath O'Farrell had a breather.
In their absence, young players came in and maintained the club's high standards, particularly best-afield O'Sullivan.
Yet to win a senior game, the 21-year-old joined Port from Sandringham 12 months ago and was the reserves' most improved player last season.
Mitch Woofindin (30 possessions) dominated on the ball, Ryan Gale carried the ruck division, Clay Johnstone was busy across half-forward and Fremantle signing Clayton Hinkley had a good match.
Another recruit, Clinton Benjamin, was carried off the ground after colliding with a Thunder player in the second quarter. He was taken to hospital but discharged after an hour.
Coach Gary Ayres was thrilled with his team.
"Rapt with the performance and rapt with the boys' ability to withstand the heat and run on the big ground," he said.
"They (Thunder) were pretty hard at it early and put us under pressure, but we responded well."
"We felt if we could get the ball in quickly there would be lots of space for the forwards."
He said his players enjoyed "a very relaxing ale or two around the pool" after the match.
Port Melbourne will now play South Adelaide in a quarter-final in Melbourne (either Etihad or MCG) on Saturday, June 23.
