TIGERS FIND A WAY

BY DAN SCAMOZZI 

The mighty Claremont Tigers returned to winning ways after defeating Peel Thunder by 23 points in a hard-fought game at Revo Fitness Stadium.

In blustery conditions, the unchanged Tigers were challenged but dug deep to kick three goals to none in the final term and prevail 8.10 (58) to 5.5 (35).

Whilst the low-scoring contest was anything but a classic, it said a lot about the maturity and mateship of this current Claremont team, who found a way to win after fending off a gallant opposition.

When it comes to grinding out these gritty wins, bullocking players like Jared Hardisty (26 disposals, six tackles, game-high six inside 50s, one goal), who won best player and the players’ player award for his ferocious and hardworking performance, are the ones who set the tone with their unwavering attack on the contest.

And when it comes to leading a team to these gritty wins, champion and inspirational captains like Kane Mitchell (23 disposals, team-high 10 tackles, two goals) are the ones who galvanise the group and steer it along the path to victory.

Smart and unassuming defenders like Dec Hardisty and Anthony Davis (five marks) are also critical to the result, while hardworking players like Ty Smallwood (four tackles) stay the course.

Forwards Cal England and Anton Hamp kicked two goals apiece, while ruckman Jeremy Goddard (38 hit-outs) won his duel with the undersized Brad McGowan.

With fan favourite Jack “Breakfast” Beeck on ground announcing duties and former player Matt Orzel, who represented both clubs with distinction, in attendance, the Tigers kicked to the northern end of the ground in the opening term, however, Peel drew first blood through antagonist Hayden Ballantyne.

Midfielder Jye Bolton (game-high 34 disposals) won the opening two centre clearances and forward Isaac Barton kicked the Tigers’ first goal after marking strongly at full-forward, before Peel replied with consecutive goals to take a 12-point lead.

J. Hardisty then split the middle before applying an inspirational chase and tackle on the wing which earned the powerful midfielder a free kick, with the Tigers trailing Peel by four points at quarter-time despite winning 11 more clearances and recording three more inside 50s.

A measured but stern Darren Harris was in no doubt as to where the Tigers needed to improve, with the fourth-year coach demanding an increase in work rate and communication, however, as he did in the first term, Ballantyne had the opening say in the second term when he kicked his second and Peel’s fourth goal.

England replied for the Tigers with a brilliant finish from the pocket, before repeat efforts and a snap out of the pack at full-forward from Mitchell gave Claremont a four-point lead at half-time.

He has kicked more important goals in his illustrious career, but Mitchell’s major, which came not long after he was dumped over the boundary line in a late and crude tackle by Ballantyne, was a signal of intent from Claremont’s leader and provided a turning point in the contest.

The Tigers did have an area to rectify at half-time, and that was stopping Peel winning the contest in the air, with the visitors taking 19 more marks in the first half.

Ollie Eastland set up Hamp for his first goal in the early stages of the third term before Dylan Smallwood (five tackles) laid a team-lifting tackle at half-back which earned the defender a free kick, however, Brad Holmes kicked Peel’s fifth goal to trim the Tigers’ lead to three points at the final change.

Harris urged the Tigers to hunt the opposition and go at the game, and when Hamp and Mitchell kicked their second goals, Claremont extended its lead to 16 points approaching time-on in the final term.

A spearing pass from midfielder Dec Mountford then set up England for his second goal and applied the finishing touches to a hard-fought win.

Meanwhile, Claremont’s Colts recorded their fourth consecutive win after defeating Peel Thunder by 27 points, 12.13 (85) to 8.10 (58), while Claremont suffered an eight-point defeat against Peel Thunder in the WAFLW, 3.6 (24) to 2.4 (16).

The Tigers face East Perth at Leederville Oval in round five.

CLAREMONT 2.2 4.4 5.6 8.10 (58)

PEEL THUNDER 3.0 4.0 5.3 5.5 (35)

GOALS

CLAREMONT: 2 K. Mitchell, C. England, A. Hamp, 1 J. Hardisty, I. Barton.

PEEL THUNDER: 2 H. Ballantyne, 1 B. Lawler, B. Holmes, L. Cullen.

BEST

CLAREMONT: J. Hardisty, K. Mitchell, D. Hardisty, T. Smallwood, A. Davis.

PEEL THUNDER: Z. Rankin, L. Cullen, M. Bogensperger, J. Boullineau, B. McGowan.