Royals continue winning run

EAST Perth have continued their winning run claiming their 10th consecutive victory and ending West Perth’s finals hopes, with a 21-point, 5.9 (39) to 2.6 (18), win in tough conditions at Medibank Stadium on Saturday.

Despite little rain during the game, a strong downpour during the Reserves match around noon, left the oval in pools of water in time for the league match two hours later.

In what was bound to be low scoring affair in difficult conditions, the Royals kicked the first goal from a long range shot from big man Cal Sinclair before Rohan Kerr kicked the Falcons first. Craig Wulff slotted through East Perth’s second courtesy of a free kick for a heavy collision, leaving the Royals ahead by nine points at the first change. The home side kicked one goal one in the second to the Falcons two behinds extending their lead to 14-points at the main break.

The Falcons were again goalless in the third, with the Royals eventually finishing 21-point winners.

East Perth have maintained top spot on the ladder, with Josh Smith, Callum Sinclair, Fraser McInnes, Jamie Cripps and Paul Johnson (40 hit outs) kicking a goal each in the win.

Steven Payne gathered a game high 32 touches, Craig Wulff 28, Brendan Lee 27, Sinclair 23 (35 hit outs), Mitch Howlett 19, Blayne Wilson 19 and Mitch Fraser 18.

RESERVES

Reserves suffered a 45-point loss, 1.8 (14) to 9.5 (59), in difficult conditions.

Jackson Slater kicked the only goal of the match for the Royals.

Will Maginness gathered 35 disposals, with Dan Allsop and Chatley also good for East Perth.

COLTS

Colts fell to their second draw of the season, 8.5 (53) to 7.11 (53).

Jack Hick kicked two goals, while Tyler Ipsen, Tarir Bayok, Tyler Keitel, Shayne Hille and Calvin Borowski kicked singles.

Zac Dent had 29 touches, Marty Zambotto gathered 26 and Hille 24.