Development Report - Never-give-in Tigers sink Sharks

By Dan Scamozzi

Claremont’s Reserves recorded their sixth consecutive win and moved one game clear in second position on the ladder after a thrilling four-point victory against East Fremantle at Claremont Oval last Saturday.

Despite trailing at every change, a three-goal-to-one final term saw the Tigers prevail 9.9 (63) to 8.11 (59) and record their third single-figure win of the season.

Jeremy Goddard (55 hit-outs) dominated the ruck, created contests and had a presence around the ground, while acting captain Morgan Davies (33 disposals, eight tackles, one goal) set the tone with his attack on the contest.

Bailey Bennett (25 disposals, seven inside 50s) and Jack Richardson (seven marks, three goals) responded to their League omissions in the best possible way, while Corey Mitchell (five tackles, two goals) applied his trademark pressure and showed his nous for goal.

In a further boost for the Tigers, Charles Le Fanu played his first game for the club while Zac Langdon (20 disposals, seven inside 50s) returned from concussion suffered against South Fremantle in round five.

However, John Williams had his game prematurely ended by a hamstring injury in the second term.

East Fremantle were well served by Dion Anthony (30 disposals, 12 tackles, two goals), Sean Henson (30 disposals, seven tackles, one goal) and Nicholas Bonomelli (10 marks, two goals) but were overrun by a more desperate Claremont and suffered consecutive defeats.

Anthony gave the visitors first blood with the game’s opening goal at the eight-minute mark of the first term, before Richardson replied for the Tigers after a dashing run and pass by Langdon.

With Le Fanu prominent early, a goal to Mitchell gave Claremont the lead, before majors to Henson and Michael Cronin saw the Sharks hold a six-point advantage at quarter-time.

Claremont coach Kepler Bradley lauded the Tigers’ ball movement from defence and paid tribute to the efforts of Goddard, but implored the team to guard the corridor.

A second goal to Richardson after a pass and some outstanding efforts by Bennett saw the Tigers reclaim the lead at the six-minute mark of the second term, before Brett Wilson kicked truly from a tight angle to give the hosts consecutive majors.

Williams then limped off the field after pulling up lame following a chase on the outer wing, as goals to Jye Clements and Bonomelli saw the Sharks take a four-point lead at half-time despite the best efforts of Bennett (16 disposals).

An arm-wrestle engulfed the opening 11 minutes of the second half with neither team able to gain any ascendancy, before some repeat efforts allowed Sam Bevan to reclaim the lead for the Tigers.

The Sharks hit back through goals to Bonomelli (second) and Tyler Sorrell, before Davies kicked a late major to leave the Tigers trailing by just five points at the final change.

An early major to Oliver Eastland after a squaring pass by Richardson gave the Tigers a perfect start to the final term and the lead, before Richardson went from goal provider to scorer after being found by Mitchell.

Mitchell then kicked his second goal to give the Tigers three in a row and some breathing space, before a second to Anthony set up a tense finish.

However, the Tigers weren’t to be denied and held on for a courageous victory, with Bennett winning the players’ player award for his terrific performance.

The Tigers will look to record their seventh consecutive win when they host Swan Districts at the same venue in round 13.

Meanwhile, Claremont’s Colts suffered their first defeat since round seven and had their three-game winning run ended after a 27-point defeat to East Fremantle, 9.6 (60) to 13.9 (87).

CLAREMONT 2.2 4.6 6.9 9.9 (63)

EAST FREMANTLE 3.2 5.4 7.8 8.11 (59)

GOALS

CLAREMONT: 3 J. Richardson, 2 C. Mitchell, 1 B. Wilson, O. Eastland, S. Bevan, M. Davies.

EAST FREMANTLE: 2 N. Bonomelli, D. Anthony, 1 S. Henson, M. Cronan, J. Clements, T. Sorrell.

BEST

CLAREMONT: J. Goddard, M. Davies, B. Bennett, C. Mitchell, J. Richardson.

EAST FREMANTLE: H. Creasey, J. Stone, D. Anthony, S. Henson, M. Cronan.