Royals Prevail Over Souths

EAST Perth have continued their match winning run and have maintained top spot on the WAFL ladder, following a 61-point, 21.17 (143) to12.10 (82), victory over South Fremantle at Medibank Stadium on Saturday.

The Royals led by 10-points at quarter time, 30 at the main break, 40 points at the last change before extending their lead to a ten goal victory at the final siren.

It was the Club’s second victory over South Fremantle this season, backing up a huge 75-point win over Souths home at Fremantle Oval in early April.

Garry Moss was outstanding in his league return for the Royals. He underwent a knee reconstruction after rupturing his ACL in the Foundation Day derby against West Perth last year. Moss kicked three goals and had 17 possessions following four matches in the Reserves where he was able to regain match fitness.

The 2013 Bernie Naylor Medallist Josh Smith was back to his best, kicking four goals and gathering 15 possessions. Simon Tunbridge also kicked four goals off 15 disposals in his return from a calf injury that had sidelined him since Round 8.

Josh Hill and Callum Sinclair added two to the board. Sinclair was again notable collecting 21 possessions, eight marks and 20 hit outs with fellow ruckman Paul Johnson with 23 hit outs and 15 disposals.

Craig Wulff also returned from a finger injury that had kept him sidelined since Round 8 amassing 27 possessions and two goals.

His co-captain, Brendan Lee, collected a game high 37 touches, with Freddie Clutterbuck 29 and Steven Payne 27 leading the midfield brigade. Will Magginness gathered 26, Brant Colledge 26 and Dom Sheed 20.

Kyle Anderson kept South Fremantle’s 2012 Bernie Naylor Medallist, Ben Saunders to just two goals. Nathan Blee and Blayne Wilson were again notable in defence.

RESERVES

The Reserves fought out a draw with South Fremantle finishing 16.5 (101) and Souths 15.11 (101).

Kicking six goals to two in the final term the Royals had the ball in their inside 50 but weren’t able to capitalise when the final siren sounded.

Mitch Howlett, finished with 27 possessions, five marks and five inside 50s and Dean Cadwallader had 27 disposals, 12 marks, six inside 50s and kicked two goals.

Matt Gordon kicked four goals, while Dan Allsop, Lewis Wilson, Matt Blackley kicked two each.  Jackson Slater, Dylan Main, Steven Wityk and Brendan Fisher kicked singles.

COLTS

Jack Gare kicked three goals from 8 possessions in the Colts 15- point, 11.8 (74) to 9.5 (59) loss.

Tony Kalimeris kicked two, while Alex Di Placido, Shayne Hille, Tom Gorter and Damian Barbaro kicked singles.

Hille had 32 possessions, Kane Hadden (22), Gorter (21), Kester Decke (20) and Tarir Bayok and Marty Zambotto had 18.