Port Noarlunga celebrates indigenous culture with players wearing specially-designed guernsey against Cove
A local football club donned an indigenous guernsey at the weekend as a show of solidarity for players who were subjected to racist slurs the week prior. Check out all the action from the Southern Football League’s round five games in our match wraps.
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Port Noarlunga refused to let last weekend’s racism incident incident get in the way of playing well against Cove on Saturday, while Christies Beach continued to make its mark this season after a strong victory over Happy Valley.
Read The Messenger’s round five Southern Football League match wraps.
PORT NOARLUNGA 15.17 (107) COVE 10.7 (67)
Port Noarlunga bounced back from a hefty loss to Flagstaff Hill and a racial abuse incident to beat Cove by 40 points at home on Saturday.
The Cockledivers’ game against the Falcons last week was marred by an awful racism incident after Aboriginal players were subjected to sickening abuse by spectators.
But Port Noarlunga overcame the drama in its match against the Cobras and claimed a 15.17 (107) to 10.7 (67) victory.
The win was made even more special by players donning a special indigenous-designed guernsey in a show of unity to those who were racially abused the week prior.
Cockledivers coach Clint Howes said the club wanted to wear its indigenous guernsey because it as important to support the indigenous players.
“We decided to wear our own indigenous jumpers to show our players we are all together,” Howes said.
Picture courtesy of Achieve Video Marketing
“The centre circle also was painted in indigenous colours.
“The boys responded really well to what was a tough week.
“We stood tall behind the players and took on a united front.
“It has been hard but we will keep moving and wait for any outcome to the investigation.
“Game wise we did the job we needed to and this puts us right in the mix for finals.
“But we have to keep winning and earn our place in the major round on our own merits if we make it.’’
Dylan Williams, Connor Sampson, who was one of the players vilified, and Russell Curyer starred in the Cockledivers’ triumph over Cove.
Ex-Glenelg livewire Ian Milera also showed no outward effects from the Flagstaff Hill game to boot four goals, while Ashley Baxter kicked three.
Best for bottom-placed Cove were Nikolas Flynn, Ryan Need and Brad Young (four goals).
NOARLUNGA 7.12 (54) REYNELLA 4.7 (31)
Noarlunga’s ability to keep persisting paid off when it finished over the top of Reynella to win by 17 points away on Saturday.
In a low scoring game, the Shoes took an 11-point lead into three-quarter time before overrunning the hosts to prevail 7.12 (54) to 4.7 (31).
Sam Miller, Troy Johnson and Callum Gaspari played well for Noarlunga.
Steven Farrelly continued his fine season for the Wineflies with good support from veteran Jason Farrier and Luke Cooper.
Reynella coach Craig Austin said a tough game against Morphett Vale the week prior with several key injuries sustained and another physically taxing match against the Shoes had hurt.
“Our rock has been our defence,” Austin said.
“Again we kept ourselves in the game but we just can’t kick a score.
“We are fit enough but again injuries for us have taken its toll which means a lack of rotations.
“Every game we have been up but we just don’t have the muscle.
“We need a bigger oval for all our younger, running players.
“The injuries we have had have been tough including my son (Boyd Austin) who will miss at least six weeks with a shoulder injury.
“But we will keep bringing up young players like Kye De Laine for his first A-grade game.”
CHRISTIES BEACH 14.16 (100) HAPPY VALLEY 5.15 (45)
Christies Beach’s march to the major round continued when it proved too strong for Happy Valley at Bice Oval on Saturday.
The Saints set up their 55-point win in the first half against an inaccurate Vikings side.
Aidan Coakley (two goals) starred for the Saints with top support from Matthew Spencely and Jacob Crate (three majors).
Daniel Nobes topscored with four goals.
Henry Kerrison (two goals), Dwayne Ruddock and Justin Schurgott worked hard for the Vikings.
FLAGSTAFF HILL 11.23 (89) MORPHETT VALE 5.8 (38)
Flagstaff Hill’s off-field woes did not appear to affect its on-ground effort as it prevailed over Morphett Vale at home on Saturday.
The four-times reigning champions were inaccurate in front of goal but were still too strong for the Emus, thrashing them 11.23 (89) to 5.8 (38).
Flagstaff Hill is unbeaten after four rounds and remains top of the ladder.
Zak Cavouras was a shining light for the Falcons, while Brad Kirk and Mitchell Johnson (three goals) also enjoyed top games.
Daniel Bode battled in ruck for the Emus, while Leroy Marsh and Aiden Baker had their moments.
Jack Glazbrook kicked three majors for the fifth-placed Emus.
THIS WEEK
Saturday, August 15
■ Flagstaff Hill v Reynella.
■ Morphett Vale v Cove
■ Port Noarlunga v Christies Beach.
■ Happy Valley v Noarlunga