Second Semi To Look Forward To

West Perth didn’t take the four points against Swan Districts on Saturday but they did enough to suggest that they are on track to take on Claremont in the second semi-final next Sunday. Although beaten by eighteen points they had more inside fifties and clearances to be in the contest all day. In blustery conditions the Falcons kicked 2.10 when kicking with the breeze and this was the difference between winning and losing. The Reserves did a terrific job to win their game by six points and book a place in the first semi-final next week and the Colts finished their season with a thirty nine point victory.

The Falcons won the toss and kicked to the eastern end of the ground with the use of a strong breeze. Swan Districts defended really well and West Perth only kicked one goal for the quarter. This came at the five minute mark when clever ruck work by Chris Keunen saw the ball end up in the hands of Aaron Black fifty out. He kicked accurately to give the Falcons a seven point lead. The quarter was an even contest but Swans had the best of the scoreboard kicking two goals. After kicking with the breeze West Perth trailed by five at the first change. Scores were 2.3 (15) to 1.4 (10).

The Falcons played a good brand of defensive football in the second quarter and kept themselves in the game. Both sides kicked three goals. Tim Geappen kicked his second after a free and fifty metres. This gave Swans an eleven point lead. The first for the Falcons went to Jason Salecic who ran onto the ball after a clever kick forward by Mark Hutchings. He finished from the square. It was seven minutes before there was another score. This went to Swans and Wade Twomey who received a free and finished from forty. Not to be outdone West Perth kicked the next two to tie the game up at the twenty seven minute mark. The first went to classy finisher, Rohan Kerr, who finished on the run from forty. He was to kick three for the day. The second was a freakish snap by Mark Hutchings from deep in the pocket forty out. Swans finished the quarter with the last two scoring shots to take a seven point lead into the main break. The goal went to Tom Roach when he received a free kick. Four of the five goals kicked by Swans in the first half were courtesy of umpiring decisions. Scores were Swans 5.6 (36) to West Perth 4.5 (29).

Once again the Falcons failed to take advantage of the breeze kicking 1.6. The goal went to Matt Fowler at the thirteen minute mark after he ran onto a long kick into the forward line. From here West Perth kicked five consecutive points which wasn’t reward for effort as they dominated play. Swan Districts made the most of their opportunities kicking two majors and as a result they took a ten point lead into the final change. Scores were 7.9 (51) to 5.11 (41).

The blustery conditions were a factor all day and the last quarter was no exception. West Perth was outscored three goals to two but hung tough during the last quarter. Rohan Kerr kicked both of the Falcon goals and his finishing is a great strength. Early in the last quarter the Swans, Tony Notte, took a great grab in the conditions and goaled from close in. At the final siren Swans had recorded an eighteen point victory; 10.13 (73) to 7.13 (55).

While the loss was not an ideal way to finish the home and away season there were a lot of positives to take out of the day. One of these was the return of Jay Van Berlo who will benefit from the outing. Best players for the Falcons were Rohan Kerr, Kody Manning, Mark Hutchings, Steven Brown, Aaron Black and best was Shane Nelson. Players to receive awards for the victorious Reserves were Joe Morrow, Jordan Mills, Frank Stockley and best was Laine Rasmussen. Both teams should play at Claremont Oval next Sunday so be there early to see what should be a top day of football.

BY DARRELL KENT

PHOTOS BY BELINDA TAYLOR PHOTOGRAPHY