LIONS POUNCE ON FALCONS

WEST Perth kicked the first goal of the game in the reserves' second semi-final at Medibank Stadium on Sunday against Subiaco but that was to be one of the few highlights. The Lions dominated the rest of the contest to run out 56-point winners. It was a disappointing result, to say the least.

At the six-minute mark of the first term Drew Rohde marked 30 metres out, on the boundary. He made a difficult kick look easy and split the middle. But that was to be their only major for the term and Subiaco piled on five straight. Two of those went to dangerous forward, Kyle Halligan, who finished with six for the game. The Lions midfield controlled the play and this was a big factor in the 5.0 (30) to 1.1 (7) quarter-time score line.

The second quarter developed into a more dour contest as the Falcons worked hard to shut down the Lions' run. Halligan kicked his third before captain, Cameron Branch, ran hard to be on the end of a long kick forward. He ran into an open goal when the ball was carried coast to coast after a kick in from a behind. At the 17-minute mark the margin was back to 23 points; as it had been at quarter-time. Subiaco found a bit more space in the latter stages of the term to add two more and take a 39-point lead into the main break. West Perth were out of the contest trailing 9.2 (56) to 2.5 (17).

The third quarter was the Falcons' best as they controlled play but were unable to turn this into scoreboard pressure. At the three-minute mark Corey Chalmers scrambled a goal from the square and when Ben O’Regan finished on the run five minutes later the margin was back to 26 points and West Perth seemed to be back in the contest. Unfortunately they were unable to kick another and Halligan kicked his fifth and the only other goal for the term at the 25-minute mark. This resulted in Subiaco taking a 30-point lead into the final change; they led 10.5 (65) to 4.11 (35). The West Perth effort deserved better than the 2.6 result.

Subiaco dominated the last quarter kicking five goals to one and in the process ensured themselves of a grand final appearance. The only West Perth goal for the quarter went to Mitch McPhee at the 26-minute mark. At the final siren Subiaco had scored a comprehensive 56-point victory. Final scores were 15.8 (98) to 5.12 (42).

Falcons supporters turned up full of hope but they were never in it as the Lions were far too good. It was a disappointing result for coach, Paul Sanzone, as he has worked hard to turn the side into a very competitive unit. The result was not reflective of their efforts this year. A preliminary final against Claremont at Medibank Stadium awaits next Sunday. Be there to see the side attempt to make it into the grand final. Best players included Ben McNamara, Jack Thrum, Kris Shannon and Trent Manzone.

PHOTOS BY BELINDA TAYLOR