WESTERN Border League flag favourite Portland stumbled at the starting blocks on Saturday, suffering a 42-point loss in the first qualifying final in Casterton.
The Tigers were no match for the in-form South Gambier, which dominated the scoreboard all day to eventually walk away victorious, 16.15 (111) to 10.9 (69).
Basic mistakes across the match may have cost the Tigers the game, but excellent skills from Ben Malcolm in the ruck and continued good form from key players like Dennis O'Laughlan, Justin Van Heugten and Sam Fleming stopped the scoreline blowing out further.
Portland had some early chances but failed to capitalise and South made the Tigers pay, edging to a nine-point lead at quarter-time .
Portland struggled to get the ball to the forward line in the second term, and while South was wasteful in front of goal it had still managed to extend the margin to 15 points heading into the long break .
South came into the third quarter determined to tie up the result and two early goals had the game slipping further from Portland's grasp.
Despite three goals from the Tigers in the term South had the upper hand, booting another six majors and went into the last change 30 points in front.
Three more goals from the Tigers in the last term was not enough to get them over the line, with South booting a further 4.4 to ensure the win.
Portland will face Hamilton Imperials in a do-or-die semi-final next week, while South Gambier will face off against minor premier North Gambier in the second semi-final.
jwoolley@standard.fairfax.com.au
