By Dan Scamozzi

A listless performance from Claremont’s Reserves resulted in a 63-poing hiding from East Perth at Leederville Oval in round 12, with the Tigers belted in most parts of the contest in sublime conditions.

The 17.19 (121) to 9.4 (58) defeat continued the Tigers’ inconsistent form and saw them drop to second position on the ladder, trailing Subiaco on percentage.

The Tigers were badly exposed in mindset, effort and desire as the inaccurate Royals recorded their sixth win of the season.

Defender Jesse Laurie won the players’ player award for his resolute performance, while Tom Ledger (six tackles) responded to his League omission with a solid performance after quarter-time.

Jack Lewsey battled manfully while Bailey Bennett and James Egan each kicked two goals.

Despite being comprehensively outplayed in the first half, the Tigers started the second half brightly as second goals to Bennett and Egan pulled them to within 10 points of the Royals.

Fierce tackles from Ben Rushforth and Lewsey both resulted in free kicks and were the highlights of the brief period where the Tigers got themselves back into the contest.

However, the Royals responded and ran out big winners.

The Tigers face East Fremantle at East Fremantle Oval in round 13.

Meanwhile, Claremont’s Colts suffered a 16-point loss against East Perth, 8.8 (56) to 5.10 (40).

CLAREMONT 1.1 4.2 7.3 9.4 (58)

EAST PERTH 3.6 6.12 12.15 17.19 (121)

GOALS

CLAREMONT: 2 B. Bennett, J. Egan, 1 T. Ledger, C. Quenby, B. Rushforth, S. Morton, N. Allan.

EAST PERTH: 4 N. Eaton, 3 A. Redhead, R. Burrows, 2 S. Hille, 1 N. Waite, M. Dobson, D. Bolton, J. Rudrum, K. Willcocks.

BEST

CLAREMONT: J Laurie, T. Ledger, J Lewsey, B. Bennett.

EAST PERTH: M. Dobson, K. La Fontaine-Roberts, N. Eaton, T. Olango.