Both teams were hard at the ball from the start but it was the Blues who controlled play early without making the most of multiple inside 50s. The Lions managed to make the most of their few ventures forward with Michael McArthur the target. Q1: N/C 4.4 to P 3.9.

The second quarter started with Eugene Brown and Owen Perks rucking, Anthony Thomas on Ben Edwards, Terry Oliver and Matthew Brenton side by side and Kane Land matching up on Nigel Johnson. The Blues set up very well off halfback with Stephen Capelli, James Oldfield and Shane Pelly controlling the term, continually feeding Cale Walker, Michael Sommerville and Patrick Jarman. Goals from Michael McArthur and Brenton kept the Lions in touch. Q2: P 9.12 to N/C 6.7.

Opponents Joe Jarvis and Jason McArthur continued to play well for their respective teams in the third term. Edwards, Daniel Styles and Ryan Joyce were trying to get the Lions going. Despite Perks and Zen Boydell doing well in the ruck it was the Blues’ running and sharing of the ball which was opening up scoring opportunities for Walker, Simon Ham, Sommerville and Edward Dimer up forward. Q3: P 16.16 to N/C 10.12.

With the game in the bag the Blues seemed to take the foot off the pedal slightly in the final term. Michael McArthur continued his sharpshooting for the Lions ending with nine goals. After playing well in the middle Cale Walker also kicked seven goals for the Blues at the other end. The Lions won the final term but the ‘slightly chubby’ lady had already sung! Final score: Ports 18.22 def Newtown/Condingup 15.18.

Best: Ports - C Walker, J Jarvis, S Hay, M Sommerville, S Capelli, E Brown, J Pheobe.

Newtown/Condingup – M McArthur, B Edwards, D Styles, O Perks, J McArthur, R Joyce and Z Boydell.

The Gibson versus Esperance game at the ‘G’ on Sunday was played in fine conditions. After a low scoring but even first half, the Bulldogs managed to keep the Tigers goalless in the second half to record a comprehensive and first victory away from home this season. Final score: Esperance 12.13 def Gibson 4.14.

Best: Esperance – E Hindmarsh, B Sullivan, M Kaye, R Parsons, R Neill and J Gray. Gibson – D Guest, J Graham, C Atherton, J Whiting.

Goals: Esperance – M Edwards (3), T Anderson, D Wood, Parsons (2). Gibson – C Browning, T Tate, L West, G Walter (1).