Cougars avoid the ‘banana skin’ at Clifton Reserve

Round 15, Canning Vale V’s Kalamunda at Clifton Reserve

Despite winning their last encounter with the Canning Vale ‘Cougars’ by 47 p0ints at home at Ray Owen in round 6, recent heavy rains would have reminded team veterans how difficult open football was to play, in the slippery conditions at Clifton Reserve.

The first quarter was a close checking affair with strong winds blowing across the ground just after a shower of rain to increase the slippery conditions.

Kalamunda quickly scored through Jackson Bowen taking fine marks to convert with 2 goals for the term, with skipper Trent Pottinger and Cooper Boyd kicking 1 each to start proceedings.

Canning replied with 2 goals and demonstrated they were not going to let Kala. get away as they had done in previous games to set the match up.

The second quarter turned into an arm wrestle with both teams struggling to gain advantage with Josh Harris and Tiger Morris managing to score while Canning evened up with 2 goals to be shy by 15 points at half time.

Canning who are languishing at the bottom of the C1 ladder were showing they were a far better side than indicated, as their physical approach to the ball was unsettling some of the Kala. Players, aided by some very strange umpiring decisions!

Coach Bolton would have advised our players that they would have to deal with problem by pretending they were ‘dumb’ and just get on with the game.

The third term looked as though it was going to be a replay of the second as Kala struggled to score kicking 2.5 for the quarter with many opportunities spoilt by their determined opponents who continually counter attacked.

Fortunately, our backs Ethan Faulds and Josh Touchell held them out, with assistance from Blake Boys who had the difficult job of stopping Cannings big forward Ethan Abraham from scoring.

At three quarter time Kala. was 18 points in front and knew they had to take complete control of the situation to maintain their lead.

This was achieved through Jack Amos continuing to dominate the ruck with Jack Jago and Josh Harris forcing the ball forward to the Kala. forwards who quickly kicked 6 goals between them! This sealed the game and a win by 41 points.

Final scores: Canning Vale; 7.9 – 51, Kalamunda; 13.14 – 92

Best players: Trent Pottinger, Josh Touchell, Jack Amos, Jack Jago

Coaches award: Blake Boys

Goals: Jackson Bowen 3, Trent Pottinger 3, Jack Jago 2, Leo Lambert, Joel Peters, Josh Harris, Tiger Morris, Cooper Boyd one each.

Special Mention: Ethan Faulds and Bret van Groningen, great contribution in the back line.

Another super weekend for the Cougars with all sides winning this week!

Other games in round 14

 C1 Reserves: Canning Vale; 4.3 – 27, Kalamunda; 18.15 – 123

 IDC Colts: High Wycombe; 1.1 – 7, Kalamunda; 18.10 – 118

C1 Ladies: Kenwick; 0.1 – 1, Kalamunda; 5.1 – 31

E2 Allstars: Kalamunda; 17.13 – 115, Safety Bay; 0.5 – 5

See This Weeks Topic – Alex Haight’s report: Braden Becker 100 games & 10 goals!

Next C1 game: Round 16, Kalamunda, V’s Carlisle, 2.10 PM Saturday 27 July 2024 at Ray Owen Reserve.

This post is dedicated to: Washingtons Earthmoving and the Vault Restaurant proud sponsors of the Kalamunda ‘Cougars’ Football Club