Round 5 Wembley V’s Kalamunda 03:05 PM, Sat, 13 May 23 Pat Goodridge Reserve.
The Cougars were looking forward to this encounter with second top side Wembley as they had won their past three games and were looking in good form in their return to ‘B’ grade football.
Unfortunately, their hopes were dashed as the physically strong Wembley side took control of the match in the first quarter kicking 4.5 to the Cougars 1.2 and remained in front for the duration to win by 39 points.
I was unable to attend this match due to a commitment however Bruce Glover has kindly stepped in to give his report and we than him for his time and input.
Quarter 1. Wembley opened the scoring with a behind and a goal, the Cougars responded quickly with a good goal by Kyle Murray from a superbly delivered pass from Mitch Massam. Some good forward thrusts were generated through the mid field with the back line regularly under pressure. Inaccurate kicking by Wembley and solid work by the back line lessened the score differential.
Quarter 2. This was a much better quarter for the Cougars scoring four goals. Some nice passing down the outer flank resulted in Kyles 2nd of 3 goals, however passing accuracy was a problem. Leo Lambert set up a great dash down the inner flank and a brilliant sacrificial spoil be Michael Garfield prevented a certain goal to Wembley.
Quarter 3. Kevin McGrath scored first up. There were some good individual passages, but the quarter belonged to Wembley with our back line playing well under great pressure.
Quarter 4. Our first score came with a great left foot hook kick by Kyle. Cougars fought hard with many hard tackles, but Wembley ran away in the last 10 minutes. The score board was not indicative of the many tackles and great passages of football carried out by our players.
Well done lads!
Ed: My spy reports that the Cougars were valiant in their efforts however the physicality of the Wembley side won the day.
Final scores: Wembley 15.11 – 101, Kalamunda 9.8 – 62
Best players:
Special Mentions:
Goals: Kyle Murray 5, Kevin Mc Grath 2, Brendyn McLeash 1, Josh Harris 1
Congratulations to Vlas Kailis who played his 50th game for the Club in this round. (Alex Haight reporting)
Vlas has had an amazing and impressive start to a career. Most people spend their entire football careers with the hope of being involved as part of a premiership team.
Vlas, now in his 4th season at the club, has already been involved in three colts premierships!!
Fast becoming a legend at the club, Vlas led the way in 2021 as colts captain. It proved to be a massive year for him, with an outstanding performance in the grand final (laying close to 20 tackles), winning a second flag (at the time) and being rewarded at years end with the club’s Alan Price Most Courageous medal.
A powerful beast in the midfield but is happy to play any role that is needed for his team. Very humble and respectful to all on and off the field and a much loved member of the Cougars community. Will be a great leader for many years to come.
All the best tomorrow Vlassy, have a great game and celebrate with a few beverages!
Thanks to Don Benson photography for the great pics
Other results from round 5
B Reserves – Wembley 7.10 – 52, Kalamunda 4.5 – 29
E1 All Stars – Dianella 7.5 – 47, Kalamunda 3.9 – 27
Cougar Ladies – Kalamunda 6.5 – 41, Trinity Aquinas 1.5 – 11
BJC Colts – University 10.8 – 68, Kalamunda 3.3 – 21
DBC Colts – Wembley 8.8 – 58, Kalamunda 6.7 – 43
Next B grade game: Round 6 Kalamunda V’s Bullcreek Leeming, Sat: 20 May Ray Owen Oval
This post is dedicated to Carter Woodgate and Horizon Mining, proud sponsors of the Kalamunda ‘Cougars’ Football Club.