Royals fall short in clash with Tigers

EAST Perth met a Claremont outfit that got off to a scorching start with seven goals to one in the opening quarter to lead by as much as 41 points early. However, the Royals hit back, kicking the only four goals of the second term to be within 16 points at the main break. The Tigers had a ten-point buffer at the final change and East Perth got to within just one point late in the fourth quarter, but it was Claremont who held on for a thrilling seven-point 11.11 (77) to 12.12 (84), victory on Saturday afternoon.

Debutant Jackson Slater and Steven Wityk kicked two goals.

Freddie Clutterbuck, Dean Cadwallader, Tom Shanahan, Jarrad Oakley-Nicholls, Matt Gordon, Josh Smith and Steven Payne kicked a goal each.

Payne gathered 28 possessions, Cadwallader 23, Brendan Lee 22 and Clutterbuck 21. 

The Royals will face Subiaco in the second semi final on Sunday at 2:15pm.

RESERVES

Claremont’s win made it impossible for the Reserves to play finals, with the Tigers claiming a 62-point, 16.8 (104) to 6.6 (42) win.

Kristian Caporn kicked three goals, Alex Vernon, Agid Gardoud and Daniel Perkins kicked singles.

Tom Omodei gathered 30 touches, Alex Ridley 27 and Daniel Perkins 21.

COLTS

Despite losing by 73-points the Colts held on to fourth position on the ladder and will play finals football against South Fremantle on Sunday.

Alteyeb Mohammed, Tyler Keitel, Cameron Hodgson and Alex Di Placido all kicked a goal each in the loss.

Shayne Hille collected 26 touches, Will Young 18 and Jack Gare 18.