Wests Handle Blacks in Trial
Sunday 12th March, 2006

Wests scored a convincing yet tight win over Port Kembla in The Black's last First Grade trial match for the pre-season. West's 18-4 (four tries to one) victory came from a strong second half defensive display which saw three tries to one run in, Port's only score came from a lucky chain of events which led to a Lee Moran touchdown.

Wests led 8-0 at the main break, both sides slugging it out on a hot day at Noel Mulligan Oval, Wests with Brendan Reeves coaching from the sidelines and Port without the on-field services of Craig and Mark Simon, Jason Sullivan and Josh Edwards.

Wests were led up front by Greg Reh and Jade Lucas, with ex-Port and Newtown halfback David Hall calling the shots for The Devils.

For The Blacks, it was a story of too much lost ball, often on the first tackle, making life difficult against a well-drilled Wests team. The gap may have been narrowed if not for some poor handling on the final possession of sets close to West's tryline.

Matthew Michalowski had a pleasing return to form after a Dapto trial which saw illness having him off-colour and off his game. Lulia Lulia was Port's best, his defence in the centres reminiscent of Craig Simon's efforts over the years. Junior Phillip was strong up front while Under 18's winger Ivan Buchanan filled in well in the top grade. The Blacks First Grade side can now rest until the first round of the competition where they will be up against Wests at Parrish Park in a "heritage" match commemorating the 1978 Grand Final between the two sides.

In the Reserve Grade trial, Port ran out winners 26-18 on the back of a five tries to four performance against the Devils. Port's try scorers were Joseph Gander (2), Chris Richards, Juita Suka and Rod Keen, while George Webb piloted three goals between the uprights, his first a remarkable reverse swinging conversion from the right touchline.

Port were impressive, particularly in defence, never in trouble of losing the lead to Wests. Luke Watts led the way for Port, with string performances also coming from Chris Richards, Julian Ulukita and Joseph Gander.

In the 18's, a Wests side struggling for numbers put up a gallant fight against the Wollongong Asphalt Under 18 Blacks before going down 14-4. ort's three tries came from two to Fouad Hijazi and one to Ivan Buchanan. Hijazi also converted one try.

Hijazi was in the thick of the action and was by far the best on ground. Josh Michalowski had good game from the rake position, and Thomas Ryman showed dedication in defence.

The Black's last trial is on Saturday (18th March), when only Reserve Grade will take the field against The Bulli Bushrangers, the game starting at Noel Mulligan Oval at 3.30pm.