C1 Semi-Final Kalamunda V’s Balladura at Ray Owen Oval
This final round was played in very difficult conditions with a strong cold easterly wind continually blowing across the oval, forcing the ball towards the clubroom boundary.
This resulted in the area becoming a ‘dead flank’ making scoring opportunities difficult for both teams. It created the formation of packs and stoppages with the ball spending a lot of time out of bounds.
Fortunately, early in the first quarter the Cougars forward line opened and Jack Cipro with speed and agility slipped through the Royals defense to kick two goals which was a huge bonus because of the prevailing conditions.
Across the half-backline club veteran Bret van Groningen in a player partnership with Rhys Cushing became inspirational in defending his territory with strong marking and accurate kicking. Their effort combined with the desperate defense of their fellow backs set the stage up for a 4 goal to 1 lead at quarter time with Josh Harris and Ben Bowness chipping in with a goal each.
In the second quarter the wind conditions seemed to strengthen, and the Cougars became stuck on the dead clubroom flank again. It was here they seemed to lose all composure by miss judging marks and resorting to hurried kicking which was intercepted by the Royals tall players.
The supporters from the E1 tent on the eastern boundary were now by this stage getting very frustrated by voicing their opinion as to some of the strange umpiring decisions, as well as a lack of effort by some of our players across the center to make leads and switch play, to break the dead flank deadlock!
Despite the ‘slog’ this match had become, the Cougars led by 26 points at half time with Josh Harris and Ben Bowness by adding another goal each.
The third quarter started with a quick goal by Skipper Trent Pottinger, however the game lapsed back to the dead flank and despite all the urging from the E1 ‘tent dwellers’ on the eastern boundary, it stayed there in one of the worst quarters of football I have ever seen, with both side only managing to kick 1.1 each!
In the final term the Cougars managed to break out of the packs and run the ball to kick 3.2 for the quarter. Jackson Bowen, Trent Pottinger and Ben Holman took good marks and kicked truly with a good deal of help from Jayden Kegg who had been consistent throughout the match.
The only disappointing aspect of this quarter was the final lapse in concentration by the Cougars, when they let Ballajura in to score two quick goals in the dying minutes of the game. This is one aspect of their game they cannot afford to do against Hammersley/Carine.
Despite all this, the Cougars are to be congratulated, as in winning this game they now qualify to play in the Perth Football League B grade division next season!
Final scores: Kalamunda 10.8 – 68, Ballajura 5.3 – 33
Best players: Bret van Groningen, Josh Harris, Jayden Kegg
Goals: Jack Cipro 2, Josh Harris 2, Ben Bowness 2, Trent Pottinger 2, 1 each to Jackson Bowen and Ben Holman.
Most noteworthy: Rhys Cushing, Jack Cipro and Blair Southcott.
The most ‘Inconspicuous play of the Day’ was carried out in the first quarter by Lachlan Harty when he “slapped” the ball over to Brett van Groningen for a timely clearance.
Marks of the day: In the second quarter Ethan Faulds running back wards, took a great mark between the many arms of opponents and managed to keep his head. In the last quarter Lachlan Harty’s great grab on the last line of defense.
Goal of the Day: In the third, Jackson Bowen’s long distance snap-shot from the southern flank. I must mention Jack Cipro’s 2 first quarter beauties delivered with speed and with precision! Many great individual passages of football, Thanks Gents.
The IDC Colts will now play Hammersley/Carine in the Grand Final as Hammersley defeated Carlisle in the Preliminary Final 6.6 to 1.3 The BJC Colts side lost their Preliminary Final to North Beach at Lightening Park 4.6 to 1.5 Both sides have been a credit to our club this season and we wish the IDC boys all the best for the Grand Final. (Grand final venues and times for the C1, Colts and E1 to be confirmed.)
This post is dedicated to Mining & Civil Australia, proud sponsors of the Kalamunda Football Club.
45 Division Street Welshpool, WA 6106 (08) 6242 2600 http://maca.net.au
