By NICK GALEA - Under-19 Division 2
NEWPORT Power got out of jail with a pulsating 11-point win over the ever improving Sanctuary Lakes Sharks, 6.10. (46) to 5.5. (35) in blustery conditions at Langshaw Reserve to consolidate their top two spot on the ladder with their 10th win of the season.
Sanctuary Lakes controlled the early stages of the opening quarter, but Newport settled soon after Khaled Hawli got them on the board curtesy of a 50 metre penalty.
Sharks forward Mitchell Grima came off early with an injury to his ankle and would miss the remainder of the game.
Sanctuary Lakes lead by a point at quarter time.
The second quarter was an arm wrestle that was played with great intensity and a finals like atmosphere.
Sharks midfielder Adam Elbob was the sole goal scorer for the term with a quick snap at the 13 minute mark. Newport trailed by a goal at half-time.
Small forward Marvin Seevers extended the margin early in the third term to 12-points with a classy shot from the pocket.
Newport needed some inspiration and it came in the shape of a Mitchell Taleb crushing pack mark and kicked truly from 45 to close the gap to five points, but the Sharks kicked away with Zaine Elbob and Jack Gatt slotting majors to see them up by 15-points going into the last quarter.
Newport’s intensity lifted drastically as they kept Sanctuary Lakes scoreless in the final quarter and nailed four goals themselves.
Mitchell Taleb was enormous with two last quarter goals, one that was kicked from 45 metres on a tight angle which sparked the comeback.
A brilliant interception and long bomb from 55 metres by Tyler Johnston half-way through the quarter brought it back to three-points.
A controversial decision at the 17 minute mark where a missed shot at goal by Newport's Youssef El Hawli was re-taken proved to be crucial as he spotted up Abdul Abdo who extended the margin to 11-points which ultimately proved to be too much as they hung on for a thrilling win.
Sharks Luke Coleiro was a bull at the contest, Marvin Seevers kicked two goals and Rinor Zuzaku displayed lots of dash.
For Newport, Tyler Johnston was simply a class above with a four quarter performance and Ahmed Mesto, Sebastian Miccuci and Thomas Beard all played key roles in the comeback win.
Round 17 will see Werribee Districts host Sanctuary Lakes at Soldiers Reserve.
Albion and Newport have the bye
Last Modified on 25/07/2016 16:54