Dominant Tigers too Good for Royals

Claremont (Reserves) have recorded consecutive wins after a commanding performance saw the Tigers dismantle East Perth by 44 points in terrible conditions at the Showgrounds.

With the Tigers dominating all over the ground, the Royals were held goalless until the 23-minute mark of the final term, and registered just one point in the opening three terms as the hosts prevailed 8.7 (55) to 1.5 (11).

With goals at a premium due to strong winds and rain, acting captain Keegan Knott followed up his impressive six-goal effort against Swans with three majors, while Alex Manuel kicked two.

The Tigers had a number of ball winners in Matthew Goyder, Isaac Baum, Harrison McCracken, Mitchell Andrews and Matthew Palfrey, while a resolute defence was led by Tom Willett, Jack McPhee and Cameron Palmer.

Such was Andrews’ dominance in the ruck, the big man tallied 25 disposals, six marks, five tackles and 72 hit outs as he led from the front and covered the ground in ominous fashion.

Perhaps the most impressive part of the victory, however, was the Tigers’ constant pressure and intensity in and around the contest, with the side forcing the Royals into several turnovers and then able to convert them into scoreboard pressure.

From the team who defeated Swans in round eight, Toby Plant and Peter Mark made way for Andrews, Joshua Barrett and Mark Mullally.

As the Tigers kicked to the southern end of the ground in overcast and blustery conditions, a scrappy and error-riddled seven minutes of play engulfed the opening term with both sides adjusting to the tricky weather.

A long kick by Max Bentley was almost spectacularly marked by the high-leaping Lawrence Evans in the Tigers’ forward line, before Manuel would kick the opening goal of the game moments later to give the hosts a seven-point lead.

A hard-working Bentley was setting the early pace for the Tigers and when Kaiden Gilbert kicked truly from close range after being awarded a free kick, the hosts took a 13-point lead at the 14-minute mark.

That lead would extend to 15 points at the first change, with the Tigers well on top all over the ground as the Royals were held scoreless, yet the hosts needed to improve their efficiency and composure when going forward.

The start to the second term didn’t make for pretty viewing with conditions making ball handling difficult for both sides, before Agid Gardoud registered a behind for the Royals at the 17-minute mark to give the visitors their first score, however, the Tigers still led by 14 points.

When Knott soccered through his first major following a kick forward by Bentley at the 26-minute mark, the Tigers were out to a 20-point lead and that would be the difference between the sides at half-time.

The Tigers then got off to a perfect start in the third term as Knott kicked his second major in the opening minute following a free kick, before a long-range goal from Palfrey at the six-minute mark saw the hosts out to a 32-point lead.

A third major to Knott three minutes later saw the buffer extended to 38 points, with the Tigers threatening to blow the game open as the Royals were being well beaten in all areas.

The Tigers turned for home with a 40-point lead following another scoreless term by the visitors, and a second goal to Manuel in the opening minute of the final quarter saw the lead out to 47 points after the hard-working forward was found by Goyder.

An inspired chase and tackle by Manuel at the 16-minute mark allowed the Tiger to find Sam Bevan with a lace-out pass, before he set up Evans for his first major which then extended the hosts’ lead to 49 points.

A goal to Beau Chatley seven minutes later saved the Royals from complete humiliation, however, the visitors were no match for an ultra-impressive Tigers’ outfit, on a tough, yet rewarding day for those in blue and gold.

The win sees Claremont improve their record to four wins and four losses, and has the side sitting in fourth position on the ladder.

The Tigers’ next match will be against Peel Thunder at the Showgrounds on May 30.

CLAREMONT 2.3 3.3 6.5 8.7 (55)

EAST PERTH 0.0 0.1 0.1 1.5 (11)

GOALS

CLAREMONT: 3 K. KNOTT, 2 A. MANUEL, 1 M. PALFREY, L. EVANS, K. GILBERT

EAST PERTH: 1 B. CHATLEY

BEST

CLAREMONT: M. ANDREWS, M. GOYDER, K. KNOTT, I. BAUM, T. WILLETT, H. MCCRACKEN

EAST PERTH: Z. DENT, C. ADAMSON, X. ELLIS