Rogers Cup Round 4 Wrap Up

Our Rogers Cup team returned home after back to back wins, but they ran into a well prepared Claremont who played with a bit more physicality and structure for longer and in the end ran away with a comfortable win kicking the last 5 goals of the game to win 7.8 (50) to our Falcons 1.3 (9).

With a new and young side there are going to periods of the game that will produce excitement about what the future holds and another times some great learning experiences and Sunday’s game was another example.

Another three debutants took the field Alyssa Konowalow came into the side as a tall forward option, Kaisey Henderson as a strong tackling back and Tyra Smith deep in defence with her ability to read the play and run the ball out of defence a key. All showed positive signs for the future, but on this day Claremont just had too many winners.

The midfield had a slightly different look with Samara Sallie out, Mia Russo and Ella Feist on State duties, but that gave Mischa Jezierski, Olivia Colotti and Chloe Smoker and an opportunity to step up and all acquitted themselves very well, but it was Claremont’s ability to stay on the outside and use the spaces well that kept West Perth on their back heels for the majority of the match.

Zara Deschamps played a standout game across the backline, with her intercept marking and directing play, she certainly did all she could to keep the Falcons in the game, which earned her West Perth’s best for the day.

When we talk about playing with spirit there wasn’t any better example than Chelsea Wainwright who shared the ruck with Bella Hill, Chelsea’s mobility around the ground is an invaluable asset, coupled with her tackling, she literally ran herself into the ground and Bella’s showed great character in returning to the ground after injuring her shoulder during the third quarter.

Overall, our West Perth players showed they have the ability to control the ball by linking up possessions, but Claremont were just a bit cleaner, more determined and help crucial marks, which allowed them to get past a stoic defence and ultimately claim the four points.