WA Football Commission

Tigers claw past defiant SharksWednesday, April 19, 2017 - 11:45 AM

Tigers claw past defiant Sharks by Sandra Argese

It might have only been round two, but there’s plenty to like about the Tigers and Sharks in 2017.

Confidence surging and a team in form coming off their 69 point demolishing of the Angels, Claremont backed up their stellar round one performance with a thrilling six point win over the Sharks at East Fremantle Oval on Sunday afternoon after the first Grace Corner Memorial Match.

Despite the loss, it was actually the Sharks that held the lead for the majority of the heavily contested four quarters, testing Claremont at every turn.
Whilst only 7 goals were scored between both sides, the match intensity was always running hot.

The Sharks looked set in stone to take out a convincing win late in the second term by banging on two majors in the space of mere minutes – goals courtesy of Stephanie Sparke, Philipa Seth and Kirsty Soley did the trick overall, but the clubs 7 behinds left their opponents with a sniff.

Shark Kirsty Soley’s major arrived as she manoeuvred around several players to kick truly and send the crowd erupting at East Fremantle oval with a classy major inside 50, whilst Samara David also provided a real moment for the Sharks’ highlight reel with a first grade tackle that awarded her a free kick from a holding the ball decision.

Amongst the match highlights, a quick third quarter goal from Tiger Chloe Colgate amongst busy traffic made for a real game changing moment as the Tigers propelled to steal away the lead.

Allana Dickie was impressive down back for the Tigers, whilst Tess Maisey did the side plenty of favours with effective ball carry and use. Bursting open the game and surging, the Tigers rubbed salt into the wound of a defiant East Fremantle with the match sealer in the final quarter as they managed to secure the lead and win.

The final result saw the away side run away six point winners and undefeated in 2017. Claremont President Amanda Robertson said that it was an extremely well fought out match between both sides.

“Whenever Claremont and East Fremantle play there is always a sense of respect for each other and this game was no exception,” she said.

“Claremont have a few young/new players and didn't really know what to expect in terms of their ability to stand up and take on the grand finalists from last year.

“Each quarter was played with intent to win the ball and make the most of opportunities presented may that be to kick a goal, make a tackle or make an effective disposal. As a coaching group we could not have asked more from the players and they came away with a win which was a display of excellent team work”.

FINAL SCORE
Claremont 4.7 (31) defeated East Fremantle 3.7 (25)

GOALKICKERS
Claremont: Kim Powell, Matilda Sergeant, Holly Harrison, Chloe Colgate.
East Fremantle: Stephanie Sparke, Philipa Seth, Kirsty Soley.

ROUND 3
East Fremantle will be looking for their first win of the season as they face cross town rivals South Fremantle, whilst Claremont will go into the bye undefeated.