Sharks emerge victors in tough contest against Aspley

Southport withstood a late charge from Aspley to triumph by 11 points in a quality contest at Fankhauser Reserve on Saturday.

Led by a rock-solid defence and the heroics of co-captain Andrew Boston, the Sharks led by as much as 37 points before holding on to win 14.13 (97) to 13.8 (86).

These two sides never fail to put on a show and this week was no exception, as they traded blows in an even first half where the margin never grew beyond 14 points.

At the 17-minute mark of the third, Aspley led by five points before the onslaught from the defending premier began.

They slammed on five consecutive goals before three-quarter time, three coming from Trent Stubbs who had been well held up until that point.

Leading by 26 points at the last change, further majors to Dylan Fyfe and another to Stubbs seemingly had the result all but sewn up.

But Aspley had one last effort to steal victory, reducing the margin to 14 points through Billy Murphy with five minutes left to play.

However, the Hornets couldn’t convert in the dying stages, with a rushed behind and two misses from Jordan Hayden and Will Gowers closing out the game.

Boston was a bull in the middle, collecting a game-high 27 disposals - with 20 of those contested - plus nine clearances in a damaging performance.

Stubbs top-scored with five majors and Mackenzie Willis was another who impressed for the home side.

Young midfielder Jasper Craven (25 disposals) produced his best performance for the club, alongside another youngster in Will Gowers (20 disposals and a goal).

Butin the end Southport were too strong around the ground, with the victory lifting them to second on the ladder.

The Sharks will host Canberra next week, whilst Aspley will face Redland at Voxson Oval.

Southport v Aspley at Fankhauser Reserve

SOUTHPORT 3.5 6.8 12.9 14.13 (97)
ASPLEY 2.0 6.0 9.1 13.8 (86)

GOALS - Southport: T Stubbs 5 J Hall 3 M Manteit T Fields D Fyfe J Williams R Clements A Aurrichio. Aspley: J Freeman 3 J Nelis 2 G Grose 2 J Giles C Carseldine T Baulch W Gowers T Templeton W Murphy.
BEST - Southport: A Boston T Stubbs M Willis E Reeves J Hall M Manteit. Aspley: J Craven W Gowers G Grose J Arnold J Nelis M Payne.

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