FALCONS PREVAIL AT THE SHOWGROUND

WEST Perth held off a determined Claremont at the Showground on Saturday. The Falcons took the lead midway through the first quarter and worked hard not to relinquish it during the rest of the game. By three quarter-time they had established a 31-point lead and this was to prove just enough as Claremont charged home to fall nine points short.

Behinds were the order of the day until the 12-minute mark of the first term. At this point Andrew Strijk kicked a long ball forward that was marked in the square by Nick Rodda. Strijk was a very influential player all day as he directed play from half back. Another string of behinds followed before the second goal was kicked at the 21-minute mark. This was a long goal from 50 by Steven Browne. The Falcons led by 14 at this point but it was reduced shortly after when Matt Orzel kicked the Tigers first and only goal for the quarter. Kris Shannon, who is improving with each league game, got onto the scoreboard when he snapped a classy goal after pouncing on a kick-in following a behind. As a result West Perth led by 14 at the first change; 3.6 (24) to 1.4 (10).

Both sides kicked three goals in the second quarter. The first went to the Tigers' Sam Fong at the two-minute mark. In a seesawing quarter both sides kicked two behinds each until the 15-minute mark when Marc Crisp kicked a clever goal when he snapped on his non-preferred left foot. A reply by Claremont followed soon after but the lead was out to 21 at the 25-minute mark after consecutive goals to West Perth. Rodda kicked a long ball forward that was marked by Anthony Tsalikis 20 metres out and Rohan Kerr once again showcased his clever goal kicking skills when he scored with a clever snap. The handy lead was eroded right on the siren after Ryan Neates kicked one for Claremont. At the main break the Falcons led 6.9 (45) to 4.6 (30).

The third quarter belonged to the Falcons as they kicked four goals to one. The first went to Rodda after he received a clever pass from Crisp, the next was Tsalikis’ second after Aaron Black scrambled a kick forward and the lead was out to 31 at the 20-minute mark when Shannon kicked his second. This was a great goal as he took possession near half back, had two bounces and kicked the ball. He then followed up to take possession after the ball spilled free from a marking contest. Claremont kicked their only goal shortly after courtesy of Jack Bradshaw. Coaches talk about one percenters winning games and this was never more evident than a smother by Dan Hunt. A Claremont player was running into an open goal when Dan threw himself to affect a smother. The ball was carried straight to the other end of the ground and Browne kicked his second to restore the 31-point lead. In the context of the game and the final margin this two goal turn around was a game saver. The Falcons smothering was a feature of their day.

West Perth looked safe leading 10.10 (70) to 5.9 (30) going into the last quarter.

The final quarter was all Claremont as they attacked relentlessly. The West Perth defence battled manfully but were unable to prevent the Tigers kicking four goals to none. Two of these went to former Falcons big man, Mark Seaby. At the 25-minute mark Claremont had closed to within eight and Falcons supporters were looking for the siren. This came at the 29-minute mark after a Tsalikis behind extended the margin to nine. The final score was 10.14 (74) to 9.11 (65).

The win leaves the Falcons in fifth sport, one game behind East Fremantle, their opponents next week. A leg injury to Jordan Jones and a facial injury to Andrew Strijk will cause selection concerns for this vital game. The reserves had a comfortable win and there are a number of players including Matt Johnson and Brayden Antonio putting their hands up for selection. The colts continue to improve but suffered a narrow loss. Best players for the Falcons included Andrew Strijk, Aaron Black, Rohan Kerr, Kris Shannon and Shane Nelson. Luke Meadows certainly didn’t look out of place in his second league game. A big game at Arena Joondalup next week. Be there to see the next step in the 2014 season.

BY DARRELL KENT

PHOTOS BY BELINDA TAYLOR