Royals rally home to defeat Falcons

EAST Perth have broken a three game losing run against rivals, West Perth, to defeat the Falcons, 10.9 (69) to 7.11 (53), in front of their home crowd at Arena Joondalup on Monday.

It was a tightly-contested battle, for which West Perth led by a point at the first change and the main break and then three points at three quarter-time, before the Royals rallied with the first three goals of the final term to record a 16-point victory and the Club’s first win against the Falcons since WA Day last year.

East Perth's big men were outstanding dominating the ruck with a 51 to 27 hit-out advantage. Scott Lycett capped off his 22 possessions and 23 hit outs with three goals, Callum Sinclair collected 20 disposals and 21 hit outs, while Paul Johnson created an imposing presence around the ground finishing with 13 disposals and a goal.

Fraser McInnes and Will Maginness also kicked two majors apiece, while Pat McGinnity and Mark Hutchings booted singles. 

Steven Payne picked up 32 possessions, Freddie Clutterbuck (28), Mark Hutchings (28), Dom Sheed (22), Brendan Lee (21), Patrick McGinnity (21), Sam Butler (20) and Mitch Fraser (19) were also influential.

East Perth will travel again to Lathlain on Monday to take on Perth.

Reserves 

East Perth’s Reserves, 18.4 (112) to 16.12 (108), 4-point victory in the dying seconds of the match was bolstered through strong performances from Garry Moss who capped off his 19 disposals with three goals, Lewis Wilson (11 possessions) and Steven Wityk (10 possessions) also kicked three majors.

Jackson Slater (18 disposals) and Alex Vernon (9 possessions) kicked two goals apiece, with singles to Tom Shanahan (26 disposals, three inside 50s), Jacob Payne (17 possessions), Matthew Blackley, Matt Gordon and a terrific match winning kick from Malcolm Karpany.

Colts

Jack Hick kicked four majors in the Colts, 8.4 (52) to 12.13 (85), loss.

Tarir Bayok, Mitch Walsh, Stanley Wright and Tom Gorter kicked a goal each.

Zambotto had a game high 32 disposals, Dent collected 27 touches and Kester Decke had 21. 

Photo: Via Nic Ellis at The West Australian