WA Football Commission

LEAGUE: 78 points does the trickThursday, June 15, 2017 - 3:37 PM

78 points does the trick by Sandra Argese

A reinvented Tigers outfit have bounced back following a disappointing 48 point loss to East Fremantle in Round 8 with a convincing 78 point victory over West Perth on Sunday afternoon.

From the very first center bounce, Claremont were in complete control.

Immediately winning the opening clearance, they wasted no time kicking off proceedings. Chloe Colegate showcased her diversity as a quick midfielder with an ability to play forward by slotting the first major of the game with a classy snap around the body. Within a matter of mere minutes, team-mate Angel Hayward slotted the next two goals of the match and debutant Mary Smith-Bin Omar even managed to sneak one through just seconds before the quarter-time siren.

Following yet another quick goal from Hayward to open the second term, West Perth were goalless and looked like they didn’t have a response to the dominant tigers. The Falcons were quick to respond, finding an avenue courtesy of a goal from Chloe Metcalf. 

While the Falcons amassed several entries inside fifty, they failed to apply the same scoreboard pressure in line with their opponents as Claremont’s defence worked hard to let little past them.

Finding themselves with a difficult 47 point deficit to rectify, the home side went into half time scratching their heads. Any hope of a comeback was further quashed by arguable dual best on ground performances by Omar and Hayward. Amassing an incredible 11 goal haul between them, the two key forwards looked incredibly dangerous every time the Tigers went inside 50, with both racking up plenty of contested ball, forcing turnovers and providing prominent marking options for team-mates.

Though the game was clearly done and dusted by three quarter time, Claremont continued to show real intent after the final break by finishing the fourth term with 5 unanswered goals. 

Head Coach Pat Litherland praised the team’s collaborative performance on the day and said it was a great result, given the disappointment of the sides’ previous loss.

“Bella Zadnik was outstanding in the ruck alongside midfielders Chloe Colgate, Tildi Sergeant and Lindsey Kenyon,” Mr Litherland said.

“Kate Cowen had her best game of the season and another first gamer Amber Ugle-Hayward lead the way with her determination to win the football.

“Amber Goodwin-Wissink also made a welcome return from injury with a strong game in defence.”

QUARTER BY QUARTER

WEST PERTH: 0.3 (3) 1.3 (9) 3.3 (21) 3.3 (21)
CLAREMONT: 4.5 (29) 7.7 (49) 10.8 (68) 15.9 (99)

GOALS

WEST PERTH: Chloe Metcalf, Laura Pugh, Ellie Hansen.
CLAREMONT: Mary Smith-Bin Omar (6), Angel Hayward (5), Kate Shallard (2), Philippa Harrison, Chloe Colegate.

NEXT WEEK

Claremont will play their first match for 2017 at the redeveloped Claremont Oval. They enter the game as favourites to win in a vital clash against the Thunderbirds this Sunday afternoon. Down at Steel Blue Oval, the Falcons will head into Round 10 as the underdogs looking to cause an upset in the fight for a top four birth.