BENNETT LEADS THE WAY

BY DAN SCAMOZZI

Speedy midfielder Bailey Bennett led the way as Claremont Reserves recorded their fourth consecutive win and moved two wins clear atop the ladder after defeating an undisciplined and mediocre Peel Thunder by 38 points in a feisty clash at Lane Group Stadium in round six.

Bennett (team-high 23 disposals, equal team-high seven tackles, equal team-high five inside 50s) combined beautifully with returning ruckman Oliver Eastland (15 disposals, four tackles, game-high 46 hit-outs, one goal) as the Tigers prevailed 11.9 (75) to 5.7 (37) on the back of recording 22 more inside 50s than their reckless opponents.

Wingman Campbell Rogers (19 disposals, four inside 50s) and forward Zac Mainwaring (five tackles, one goal) were other valuable contributors, key forward Coen Jackman kicking four goals for the second week running as he continued his fine start to the season.

Kicking to the northern end of the ground in the opening term in fine conditions, Claremont drew first blood when energetic forward Lewis Daisley kicked truly, Peel’s Jonathon Ietto replying for the hosts after the Tigers turned the ball over across half-back.

With strong tackling on display and Rogers already busy, a great chase and tackle earned Tiger Patrick Kitchener a free kick, Jackman spearing through his first goal from the pocket after being struck by an opponent behind the play.

The result was a nine-point lead to Claremont at quarter-time, coach Darren Harper urging the Tigers to run Peel off their feet and maintain discipline in the face of antagonism.

A 50m penalty allowed forward Charlie Malone (equal team-high seven tackles) to extend Claremont’s lead early in the second term, Eastland beginning to put on a rucking masterclass as he gave the midfield first use of the football.

Bennett delivered a spearing kick inside 50 which was converted by Mainwaring, Peel’s Brodie Lake replying with the hosts’ second goal to trim Claremont’s lead to 16 points.

Cam Anderson was then floored after taking a mark and kicked truly from the subsequent 50m penalty, a melee erupting with Peel’s intent on playing the man and not the ball now on full display.

Bennett then delivered another spearing kick inside 50 which was converted by Jackman for his second goal, solid midfielder Kendyll Blurton (equal team-high five inside 50s) evading an opponent and finishing with aplomb to extend Claremont’s lead to 34 points at half-time.

Consecutive goals from Peel to start the second half reminded Claremont that its job was far from complete, forward Dylan Mulligan replying with the Tigers’ eighth goal before Eastland finished brilliantly from the pocket to extend the lead by the narrowest of margins at the final break.

Harper urged the Tigers to not overcomplicate things and not overdo the handball, Peel’s Jackson Knight kicking the hosts’ fifth goal in the final term, Jackman replying with consecutive goals to cap off Claremont’s fifth win of the season.

Meanwhile, Claremont Colts recorded their second win after defeating Peel Thunder by one point, 8.5 (53) to 7.10 (52).

The Tigers host Perth at Revo Fitness Stadium in round seven.

CLAREMONT 2.3 7.5 9.7 11.9 (75)

PEEL THUNDER 1.0 2.1 4.2 5.7 (37)

GOALS

CLAREMONT: 4 C. Jackman, 1 O. Eastland, L. Daisley, C. Anderson, C. Malone, K. Blurton, D. Mulligan, Z. Mainwaring.

PEEL THUNDER: 2 B. Lake, 1 J. Knight, J. Ietto, R. George.

BEST

CLAREMONT: B. Bennett, C. Rogers, Z. Mainwaring, C. Jackman, O. Eastland.

PEEL THUNDER: J. Knight, M. Piggott, J. Sturrock, D. Welhan, K. Levitt.