Trailing at every quarter, the Wildcats played hard at the ball, but that wasn't enough.

Rory Jones was particularly prevalent and Jarred Ohayon again played to his best, but on many occasions couldn't convert on goal.

On Sunday The Portland Coasters entered the Den. The Wildcats got away to a good start combining good passing with teamwork.

They took an early first quarter lead 21-19, but were unable to maintain the momentum, falling behind 34-42 at the main break.

Portland's shooting from beyond the three metre line hurt the home side as Ohayon and Jones again did their best to counter Portland's attack at the ball.

Things only got worse after the main break with Portland extending its lead to 19 points. The last quarter saw the Wildcats match the Coasters basket for basket, but the damage had already been done, the Wildcats losing out 71-91.

Captain Joel Freeland played his best game of the season with 21 points while Ohayon scored 19 points.

Best on court for the Wildcats was awarded to Rory Jones for his all round effort that included 16 points, 16 rebounds and three blocks.

Portland big man Aaron Caldow top scored for the travellers with 23 points. This weekend the Wildcat men welcome the Colac Kookas to the Den on Sunday afternoon.

The Stawell Brix Lady Wildcats faced the toughest outing of its short existence last weekend.

Warrnambool Mermaids, who were without a win on Saturday night, then Portland Coasters with one win on Sunday afternoon.

The Lady Wildcats came out firing in the first of its clashes against the Warrnambool Mermaids on Saturday night.

With defensive pressure, and offensive scoring from the ladies, they took the first quarter 11-9. The Mermaids fought back in the second quarter and claimed the quarter 16-9.

Just five points separated the teams after the long break before Jess Williamson and captain Michelle Beaton scored five each for the Lady Wildcats and kept the home team within reach.

The last quarter again saw both sides match each other on goal, but the Mermaids were able to better the Wildcats and run out 11 point winners. Williamson finished the night with 13, Beaton (9) and Tracey Dark (6).

Sunday saw the ladies get off to another flyer. Thanks to their defensive pressure they took the first quarter 22 to 20. Williamson was on target early with seven points, Dark converted five.

All that good work took a tumble in the second quarter with the Coasters outgunning the Wildcats 15 goals to two.