August 29, 2010

WAFL round 23...

EAST PERTH did their best to kick themselves out of the finals but eventually won the right to a first semi berth with a gutsy win over top team Claremont in round 23.
The Royals began well and took a 13-point lead into the first break. Five 50-metre penalties helped the Tigers back into the game in the second quarter and the top team led by 13 points at half time.
The lead changed many times in the second half. The Tigers looked classy at times and Ian Richardson always looked dangerous in attack. However East Perth keep up the pressure and despite four posters and numerous missed opportunities eventually took control.
Zac Clarke was inspirational for the Royals and his fellow ruckman Zac Beeck also put in a fine performance. Craig Wulff, Brendan Hancock, Luke Webster, Adam Prior and Ben McKinley (four goals) were other key players. Richardson finished with four goals for Claremont, Byron Schammer was the best midfielder and Lewis Stevenson ran the ball well.
East Perth 12.23 (95) Claremont 11.13 (79).
South Fremantle and Subiaco played in last year's grand final but they won't play in the finals in 2010. At Fremantle Oval on Saturday they delivered 54 goals to celebrate the end of season. At half time the Lions had scored 17.1 and the behind was rushed. Ryan Crowley kicked seven goals in an outstanding display for Subiaco, Michael Rix dominated the ruck and Chad Cossom was strong in the midfield. Darren Rumble, Phil Read and Blake Broadhurst each kicked four goals. Josh Head was South's best player and kicked four goals, Toby Bairstow put in another good game and Toby McGrath was outstanding in his 200th game.
Subiaco 33.9 (207) South Fremantle 21.18 (144).
West Perth needed to beat wooden spooners Perth to make fourth place a possibility. They did it after a bit of a struggle but their ambitions were ruined by East Perth's win. Anton Saylor kicked four goals and Quenten Lynch showed he would have been useful in the finals. Justin Bollenhagen kicked four goals for the Demons.
West Perth 16.16 (112) Perth 14.3 (87).
We don't go on about statistics much here but it's worth mentioning that Andrew Krakouer made 51 disposals for Swan Districts against Peel in his team's 110-point victory. Ashley Hansen kicked five goals and Tim Geappen four for Swans and Josh Roberts and Clancey Pearce were good players.
Swan Districts 22.25 (157) Peel 7.5 (47).
Next week: First semi final: East Fremantle vs East Perth (East Fremantle Oval). Second semi final: Claremont vs Swan Districts (Claremont Oval).

• East Perth's Brendan Hancock under a bit of pressure at Leederville Oval. Photo by Les Everett.

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