IT was billed as the top-of-the-table clash that would ignite the AFL North Coast competition.
A grand final rematch between the 2011 premiers, the Jacaranda Hotel Grafton Tigers, and 2012 competition leaders Port Macquarie Magpies.
No side had gone close to beating either the Tigers or the Magpies previously this season.
But no-one could have guessed just how wide the gap would be between the two top sides at Ellem Oval on Saturday with the Tigers running out convincing 19.11 (125) to 3.6 (24) winners.
The Magpies went into the match with a number of regular players absent but the 101-point thrashing they suffered at the hands of their arch rivals will leave a scar on the Port club's conscience for the remainder of the season.
From the opening bounce the Tigers made their intentions clear.
Midfielders Sam Morrison, Ronald Davis and Scott Onus outplayed their opponents to get first use of the ball and keep the pressure on the Magpies defensive lines early.
Goals to Sean Duroux, Shawn Purton, Lee Anderson and captain Dan Zacek helped the Tigers to a 31-point lead at the end of the first quarter.
A lone goal to Matt Lil was all the Magpies could muster against the rock-solid Tigers defence.
Grafton stepped it up in the second quarter, outplaying their opponents all over the park in a disciplined display.
The Magpies had no answers to the rampant Tigers who kicked eight goals for the term to lead by 79 at half-time.
The Tigers continued to dominate in the third term despite an injury enforced delay.
Just six minutes after the resumption Magpies forward Tim Bayer was concussed in a tackle and an ambulance was required, forcing a 15-minute delay in play.
The Magpies opened the scoring when play resumed with Greg Langlois booting their second major.
Their joy however was short-lived with the Tigers extending their lead with goals to Morrison and Purton opening up an 88-point lead at the final change.
Grafton continued their surge in the fourth quarter and although the Magpies battled on bravely, the Tigers continued to land goals.
Morrison, Chris Holder and Carl Boehme all kicked majors while the Magpies Matt Lil added a second goal to his tally late in the game.
Best on ground went to rover Sam Morrison who finished with three goals, played a part in many others and was strong in defence.
Ronald Davis and Scott Onus also had a huge influence in the centre and consistently gave the Tigers first use of the ball.
Backs Ryan Sheather, Will and Justin Darby, Kelly Thompson and Dion McGregor were tireless in defence.
Zacek, Lee Anderson, Shawn Purton and Sean Duroux dominated in the forward line and will be giving opposition sides plenty of headaches as they ponder how to contain what many have called the most potent attack in the competition.
The win elevates Grafton to the top of the points ladder ahead of Port Macquarie with Sawtell Saints third.
The Tigers travel to Richardson Park, Sawtell next week to take on the improved Sawtell Saints.
SCOREBOARD
Grafton 19.11 (125)
Port Macquarie 3.6 (24)
Grafton Goal Kickers: L. Anderson 3, S. Purton 3, S. Duroux 3, S. Morrison 3, R. Newman 2, D. Zacek 2, C. Holder 2, C. Boehme
Port Macquarie Goal Kickers: M. Lill 2, G. Langlois
Reserve Grade:
Grafton 8.2 (50) def Port Macquarie 3.15 (33)
Last Modified on 01/07/2012 15:39