The Port into SFL grand final on the back of a classic victory over arch rivals

Cygnet would be rocking after The Port snatched an unbelievable win over arch rivals Huonville in the dying minutes of a classic SFL semi final.

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IT was the great heist of the Huon as Cygnet booked its first grand final spot in 15 years with an incredible victory over arch rival Huonville.

In a pulsating thriller, Cygnet’s Luke Paton was the matchwinner, kicking the final two goals of the game as The Port stormed home to win the SFL second semi-final by just two points, 13.12 (90) to 13.10 (88).

Huonville fought all game and their “reward” for such a valiant but unsuccessful effort is a preliminary final clash with inform dual reigning premier Lindisfarne that thrashed New Norfolk at Boyer.

The Port trailed by 35 points during the second term before roaring back into the match to create a red hot belter in rainy conditions.

The visitors started to win the contested ball and clamp down on the Lions’ rampant half back line to trail by 19 points at the main change, and continued on after the long break.

The lead changed four times during the third term and another three in the last.

When Dale Thorp kicked his second goal, a major on the run after roving a stoppage perfectly, the Lions looked home with all the momentum and a 10-point lead at the 20-minute mark.

But again their Huon rivals would not be denied.

Firstly Paton goaled in the pocket from a tight angle, before intercepting a Callum Rawson kick in to goal from a set shot (his third of the match) with 29 mins 30 secs on the clock.

A frenetic last few minutes ensued but The Port would not be denied.

Cygnet coach Ben Cato said there was a sense of relief and excitement post match, but also knowledge the task was not done yet.

“I thought we might have spent too many petrol tickets getting back in the game but they went again and I couldn't believe it myself and they fought it right out,” Cato said.

“It was just awesome.

“It was fantastic for the club, everyone is over the moon. The club spent probably 10 years really struggling … so it is going to mean a lot but we’ve got to give one more effort in two weeks time.”

SFL: Cygnet coach Ben Cato. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

Lions coach Tim Lamprill said his side got what it deserved after a blistering opening quarter and a bit that saw Huonville lead 50-15 after kicking the first two goals of the second term.

“Not good enough, simple.

“We stepped away form the things we were doing well and didn’t do the team things we needed to do.

“Even when we got back in front we allowed them to do things we shouldn’t have, it is disappointing but we didn’t defend the way we should have.”

At Boyer, Lindisfarne destroyed the home side after quarter time, dominating on way to a 56-point win that sent the Eagles packing in straight sets.

New Norfolk was just in the contest at the last change, down by three goals, but the Two Blues piled on 8.3 to 2.3 in the last term to head into next Saturday’s game full of belief.

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