There was a nail-biting start to the Women’s C2 Semi Final between Kelmscott and Koongamia, as both teams scrambled over the wet football in an effort to get the ball forward.
Kelmscott, who normally take advantage of their pace down the wings, were made accountable by Koongamia who took advantage of the wet conditions.
Thumbing the ball on the boot, Koongamia pumped the ball down the corridor and into their forward line scoring the first goal against Bulldogs one point before the first break.
Kelmscott’s second quarter started better as ‘Best On Ground’ Samantha Shepherd came into the midfield and gave the Bulldogs a well-needed lift.
With two goals each, the Bulldogs went into the half-time break holding just a four-point lead: Kelmscott 2.4 (16) to Koongamia 2.0 (12).
Bulldogs Captain Louise Knitter had her chances, and managed one for the day.
There was no lack of effort from Summer Yarran with one goal, and team mate Hayley McHenry who attacked the football speared from midfielders Anna-Shae Michael and Tyla Fitzgerald.
Despite Kelmscott’s forward entries Koongamia’s backline clung to the Bulldogs and kept the dogs’ third quarter to just two answered points.
With just six points the difference, it was still anyone’s game as the last quarter commenced.
Koongamia took control and put the Kelmscott backline under pressure again.
Michelle Watson, celebrating her 50th game, thumped the ball back out and there were strong intercepting marks by team mates Zalie Betts and Maddie Barnes.
Ruck Mahalia Rukuata took a big knock for her team after a dominating game through centre.
Kelmscott replied, and put another four points on as players battled with the slippery footy, but it was enough to claw away from the opposition and take a 10-point win and a trip straight to the Grand Final next Saturday, 31 August.
Kelmscott 2.10 (22) defeated Koongamia 2.2 (12)
League Semi-Final Preview
The old Sunday League foes – Kelmscott Bulldogs and Kenwick Royals – will again face off in a finals clash this Saturday from 2:30pm at John Dunn Memorial Park.
Minor Premiers Kelmscott lost just one game for the season and boast two players who finished in the top four in the association’s goal-kicking leader board, with Rodney Jetta kicking 85 goals for the season and finishing on top.
Coming in second place on the fixture ladder, Kenwick rolled over Coolbellup on the weekend and have shown to be able to match the top contender.
With rain on the forecast, these two front-running teams will have to contend with the changing conditions. The winner will go straight to the Grand Final.
With finals season in full swing, the club’s Football Director Robert Turner praised Senior Coach Shannon Collard and fellow coaches for their commitment and actualised aspirations across the 2024 year.
“Shannon and the leadership team have worked very hard at recruiting and bringing players back to our proud club, a place that Shannon and many of the current players have shared a long, proud and memorable history,” Rob said.
“A really strong family atmosphere was restored as father and son players shared in matches, as well several brothers.”
“Shannon’s passion towards youth development and pathways provides a great opportunity for the remarkable talent in the area, and brings a very special contribution to the club.”
“All of us at the club, players and volunteers, are very proud of the accomplishments of the Men’s, Women’s, Colts and Integrated teams.”
Photographs – Richard Polden.
