WA Football Commission

Rogers Cup Semi FinalsTuesday, August 8, 2017 - 9:34 AM

Written by Sandra Argese, photos by Thomas Campbell

Semi Final 1: Swan Districts 4.0 (24) defeated South Fremantle 3.5 (23)

The old saying ‘clenching victory from the skin of their teeth’ rang true on Sunday morning at Claremont Oval, as Swan Districts clenched a tight victory by the slimmest of all margins in a one point thriller over South Fremantle. 

Intent high from both sides, the Swans grit their teeth and held on to secure the win 4.0 (24) to the Bulldogs’ 3.5 (23).  Tara Stribley wore the goal kicking boots for the Swans and booted two strait majors, while Nyra Anderson and Mikayla Hyde joined in on the party with one goal a-piece. Isabella Mary Stevens loomed as a dangerous option up forward for the Bulldogs and finished with two goals of her own, while teammate Ella Smith stood up to add another goal to the tally. 

Following the narrow loss, South Fremantle now enter a sudden death preliminary final against the Peel Thunderbirds, who head into the game fresh off a thrilling 3 point victory over Claremont.

Semi Final 2: Peel Thunderbirds 5.0 (30) defeated Claremont Tigers 4.3 (27)

The Peel Thunderbirds were all class as they held off a defiant Claremont to secure themselves a healthy spot in this year’s preliminary final. 

While the games’ leading goal kicker Hope Ugle stood up for Claremont and kicked three of the Tigers’ four match day goals and was assisted by Sara Riou’s nifty goal, it just wast enough as they fell short by a slim 3 point margin.

The Thunderbirds' decorated spread of individual goal kickers (Ava Muir, Sarah Verrier, Teah Taylor, Shauna Hart, and Sierra Smith) were on song and kicked accurately to help the team into a preliminary final showdown against South Fremantle, who will be looking to redeem themselves following a one point loss to Swan Districts.