Round 4 - Resilient Roosters Still Alberton Kings

Our Mighty Roosters clashed with the Magpies at Alberton Oval on Sunday. We haven’t lost at Alberton during Jar’s reign. Brett White, Jimmy Allan and Budgie O’Hara were back. Damon White was out and then he was back in again. (Port Power’s decision). Was Jar’s Alberton Reign set to continue? We were about to find out.

In the first Stanza, Port had the first couple of opportunities but couldn’t finish off. We took advantage of this when  Allan, Alleway and Ladhams combined to put it on to Younie in the pocket. He received a free and converted. Moments later, another attractive build-up went begging. This time it was Port ‘s turn to take advantage. Minutes later, Allers and Motlop combined to get it to Allan. His kick to the square was strongly marked by Stewart. He drilled it. Our fluency continued. Ryswyk got involved and got it to the ever busy Allan. In turn he booted to Allers territory. Alleway strongly marked and goaled. We could have gone further in front but missed some golden opportunities from well constructed forays.  We were left to rue these misses as Port got 2 goals to reduce our lead to a point at the first break. The scores 3-4, 22 to 3-3, 21.

In the second Term, Port hit the front early and got another after Archard got run down coming out of defence. The Roosters kept plugging away and were eventually rewarded with a free and a sausage roll to O’Brien in the pocket. Minutes later, a lovely combination from defensive linchpins
Ivens , Schubert and Sporn saw the ball delivered to Alleway. He levelled the scores. After inching it forward again, Allan shot out of a stoppage, drilled a beauty on the run and put us back in front. Port replied quickly. It was pulsating stuff! The pendulum kept swinging. Our gutsy skipper did a 1-2 with Leroy. It was so slick it may have been a 1-2-3-4. Either way, Wintle drilled it. Port scored late in time-on to put its nose (or beak) in front.  Scores at the long break, North 7-7, 44 to Port 7-8, 50.

Port started the Premiership Quarter the better with 2 goals. This opened up a mini break as The Magpies were getting first look at the ball at re-starts. Our Engine room soldiered on tenaciously however. After missing one opportunity, Motlop got the chance to redeem himself with a free in the pocket. Sporn and Ryswyk had done the work to get it there. From a tight angle, he put it through. Minutes later , there was more POCKET MAGIC! This time from LUDICROUS LADHAMS himself. After receiving a free, he lined up. He sent a perfectly directed banana straight through.  As he ran back to the middle, he was heard to say, “Please add ice cream and chocolate topping to that banana! “ Port answered these pocket heroics with 2 of their own to re-take their mini break. North Adelaide was having none of that though. Leroy and Archard linked up to get it to Motlop. He ran into an open goal and went BANG. Our next foray forward, Ivens booted it to the square. Budgie was there. He managed to backtrack a pass to Alleway.  Allers went back and coolly slotted our 11th . After another 4 goals a piece term , the Lemon Time scores were 11-9, 75 to 11-11, 77.

In the final term, we let a few opportunities slip. Then Port banged on 2 goals, including one to former Rooster Hargraves. He then partook in the best (or worst) premature celebration I’ve ever seen, screaming his head off and flailing his arms about. This only served to spark The Roosters. Allan was involved yet again, along with Lonie, who sent Archard away for a goal. We worked it forward again. Allan skilfully passed to O’ Brien at the top of the square.  He went BANG for his second.  Schubert then went on another penetrating dash from defence, taking advantage of Hargraves refusal or inability to chase. Early in time-on, the influential Alleway booted it to the square. Stewart took another strong mark. He converted it. The Roosters hit the front. COME ON! Deep in time on, Port had 2 chances to kick the winner, Hargraves missed a sitter, probably because he was still dizzy, from his Premature Celebration.  In the frantic final seconds, North calmly worked it round the back pocket. Cool as a Cucumber, Lads figuring prominently. The siren went with the pigskin in his safe hands. The final scores, North Adelaide 14-11, 95; Port Adelaide 13-15, 93.

Kym Chaplain
Match Reporter
April 2008

PS I’d love to attend “Jarman’s School of Magic” with all the kiddies! Jars and Fudd can check out my set shots from 35 metres. However as I am 38 years old and in a wheelchair, I think my kicking for goal is Set in Stone!!