Match Report by Theo Bowyer

Macc dominated the opening salvo’s and weren’t shy in using the whole width of the pitch as Port struggled to contain their pacy backline. Macc were soon on the board running in on the right wing. 5-0 (conv. missed).

However, a characteristic which typifies Port is their ability to not panic when the momentum feels against them. Wrestling back the initiative Port nailed the basics and the now famous driving maul led to a simple score for Paul McGookin. 5-7 (try conv). It was then Macc’s turn to land the next punch as following a real moment of fortune after a wicked deflection, the ball ended up in a Macc hand and with so much space through the middle a second try for the Blues - a real sickener. 10-7 (conv. missed). Port’s mood wasn’t lightened after a clever, teasing kick over the top, which Port couldn’t deal with led to another score. 17-7 (try conv). A ten point lead felt like a lot to overcome.

Port’s response was almost immediate, and another maul resulted in a score for Tom Gardner on the stroke of half time. 17-14 (try conv). Once again, the forwards were collectively putting in a real shift and speaking to some of the Macc fans afterwards, they all had glowing reports on how strong Port’s scrum was.

The second half was under way and Holt’s ankle injury was too bad to continue so Sam Fisher came on to replace him. Understandably there was a period of stalemate as neither team wanted to give an inch and a few penalty kicks meant the score was 23-17 to the home side. Port refused to buckle, despite yellow’s for Eaton and Sam Grady-Graham late in the game meant their fitness and attitude was really tested.

Surprisingly though, even with a numerical advantage it was Macc who looked like they were running out of steam and a penetrating line break from Atwill and some excellent offloads resulted in a try for the Springbok. Unfortunately, the conversion was missed and a tense final ten minutes ensued. 23-22.

Port were in their own 22 and another rock solid scrum earned them a penalty - a running theme throughout. A decent nudge into touch and it was all set up for a grandstand finish with the seconds ticking down. With the ball safely secured from the line out and after a brilliant driving maul and few more carries the ball was passed back to Eaton in the pocket - a drop goal opportunity? It wasn’t the prettiest, clearing the bar by barely a metre but who cared - Port had recorded a famous win with literally the last kick of the match - what a fillip for the former Macc fly half! The script couldn’t have been written any better. Final Score… Macc 23 Port 25.

Some standout performances were from McGookin who was a colossus in the scrum, Tom Metcalfe for consistently breaking the gain line and of course Eaton, who’s composure under such pressure was superb. A word from coach Keith afterwards was that he was really pleased with the high level of rugby and the skill on show despite the 5 week break.
The games continue to whet the appetite as we welcome Manchester this coming Saturday in what promises to be another compelling encounter.