21/08/2010
Impressive Port give Onkas a fright
Print by Adam Holmes
Onkaparinga have their work cut out for them ahead of the SA Rugby Premier division finals series, after struggling to overcome Port Adelaide 43-36 in a thrilling encounter on Saturday.
After beating Port Adelaide just two weeks earlier at the same venue, Onkaparinga were expected to take the match, but found themselves seventeen points down early into the second half.
Port’s intensity and slick ball movement stunned a lacklustre Onkaparinga in the first half, with powerful forwards Inosi Tukana and Mattie Morris causing headaches for the opposition defence.
Trailing 29-12, Onkaparinga visibly lifted their intensity and cut the lead to just three points when winger Tom Knauer crossed after an interception from half way.
Skilful fly-half Troy Doughty inspired the comeback with some pinpoint passing and precision kicking, as Onkaparinga quickly opened up a 29-38 lead with four tries in a row.
Port refused to lie down however, and when Simon Olliffe crossed after a persistent attack, the lead was just two points making for a thrilling finish.
A late try to Onkaparinga sealed the 43-36 win, with desperate last-gasp attacks from Port denied by equally desperate defending.
Port showed some promising signs for next season, as they appeared to outclass their more fancied opposition for large parts of the match.
Onkaparinga were clearly relieved to escape with the win, thanks largely to two tries apiece from Troy Doughty and outside centre Scott Warren.
In other results, Woodville dented Southern Suburbs finals hopes with a 49-17 win and Old Collegians comfortably beat Adelaide University 34-7.