East Perth fall short against Williamstown

EAST Perth were unable to hold off a fast finishing Williamstown who ran out 24-point winners, 10.11 (71) to 7.5 (47), in the Foxtel Cup Semi Final at Patersons Stadium last night.

The Royals led at quarter time stretching their lead to 16-points early in the second quarter, but the Seagulls were up to the task, matching East Perth’s intensity. They kicked the last three goals of the second quarter to take a two point advantage at the main break.

Willamstown built an eight point lead at the final change and kicked away in the fourth to set up the victory and a place in the grand final.

East Perth’s Brendan Lee and Paul Johnson were solid in the midfield. Lee gathered 17 possessions and five tackles. While Johnson had 17 hit outs, combined with 16 disposals, six tackles and four clearances.

Brant Colledge gathered 17 disposals, while Mitch Howlett had 16 touches, Steven Payne (15), Nathan Blee (14) and Mitch Fraser (12).

Josh Hill was the leading goal scorer for the Royals kicking three goals off seven touches. Lee, Colledge, Adam Carter and Fraser McInnes kicked singles.

East Perth will now look to their Round 15 match against Peel Thunder at Medibank Stadium this Saturday, July 1.