Round 5, Melville V’s Kalamunda at Melville Reserve
This round saw the resumption of the great rivalry between the Kalamunda ‘Cougars’ and the Melville ‘Rams’.
Over past season there has been little to separate the two teams as they have occupied top positions on the C1 ladder and their past encounters have, usually been decided by a few points!
The Rams with the advantage of the breeze, took control from the centre bounce and with determination and speed caught the Cougars off guard to kick 3.4 to the Cougars 1.1 in the first term.
The Cougars with 4 changes to the side who played in round 4 took some time to settle into their routine, until Ethan Abraham exerted his strength at full forward and kicked the first goal.
In the second quarter the Rams continued to exert pressure through their experienced big men who were taking telling marks around the ground with the Cougars tending to run second to the contest.
During the term the Cougars put themselves under considerable pressure by making mistakes in defensive clearance, with short kicks and handball that missed targets, resulting in turnovers. The Rams capitalized on these to boot 4.2, while the Cougars managed to score 3.2
At half time coach Bolton would have been concerned about the amount of physical pressure the Rams were applying to the contest. This resulted in the Cougars falling into Melville’s pattern of play and not moving the ball into open space to play their run-on football.
The third term developed into a ‘slogging match’ with both sides desperate to gain any advantage. The Cougars managed to kick 1.4 while the Rams were restricted to 3 solitary points, this was due to the desperate defence of our backs led by Josh Touchell, Bret Van Groningen and Ollie Adriano.
A concern this stage of the match indicated the Cougars were not backing their teammates up and on occasions were outnumbered at the contest.
The scoring however, reflected the struggle both teams were having, to gain any real ascendency, with the Rams leading by 13 points when the third quarter commenced. As the quarter developed it became apparent that the Rams were beginning to tire and make mistakes with their run and delivery.
Whatever coach Bolton had said at three quarter time must have spurred the Cougars on, as they began to peg back the slender lead the Rams had.
Desperate play from the mid-fielders, Reg Jones, Trent Pottinger and Ben Holman keep the ball in the Cougars forward line, allowing Kade McKeown, Jackson Bowen and Ashton McGowan to score in the final minutes of the game to win by 7 points!
Once again, the great rivalry between these two clubs continues. This was a hard-hit out and will remind the Cougars it’s no fun to play ‘catch-up’ footy, as they progress and remain on top of the C1 ladder.
Final scores: Kalamunda: 8.10 – 58, Melville: 7.9 – 51
Best players: Christiano Paduano, Ben Holman, Trent Pottinger, Reg Jones.
Coaches award: Jodd Cheshire
Observers award: Ethan Abraham, great tap on resulting in a goal!
Goals: Ethan Abraham 3, Jackson Bowen 2, One each to Kade McKeown, Christiano Paduano and Ash McGowan
Special Mention: Revis Alone, where Angels fear to tread!
Other final round games:
C1 Reserves: Kalamunda: 21.9 – 135, Melville: 7.3 – 45
C5 League: Kalamunda: 5.7 – 37, Forrestfield: 6.6 – 42
C5 Reserves: Kalamunda V’s Forrestfield: Forfeit
Colts: Kalamunda: 18.16 – 124, Melville: 4.6 – 30
Ladies: Kalamunda: 7.9 – 51, Kenwick; 2.0 – 12
We are still searching for reporters in the grades listed above.
Next weeks game: Kalamunda V’s Mosman Park 03:05 PM, Sat, 17 May 25 at Ray Owen Reserve
This post is dedicated to, Roleystone Real Estate, proud sponsors of the Kalamunda ‘Cougars’ Football Club.
Since its inception in 1997, Roleystone Real Estate has built a reputation of pure excellence. Recognised as the industry’s, leading Hills Real Estate Agency.Final