The Kelmscott and Koongamia Women’s match was the game everyone was looking forward to seeing – a top of the ladder clash between the two undefeated teams.
Kelmscott coach Bill Hansen had a lot to say about the game.
“Coming into the game against Koongamia was a good test for the girls, we knew it was going to be a challenge with both undefeated, and Koongamia defeating teams away quite comfortably,” he said.
“We prepared for it to be a physical contest which it certainly was.
“I wanted the girls to be switched on from the very start and, to their credit, they all were.
“It all started in the midfield where we knew we had to focus if we wanted to win the game.
“With one goal, Mahalia Rukuata was vital all day – getting it to our midfield advantage. “While Ashley McHenry, Anna Shae Michael and our new recruit Tyla Fitzgerald were dominant all day thru the centre.”
At half time, Kelmscott had managed to kick five unanswered goals against Koongamia. “Down back, Sam Sheperd, Britlee Eades, Amy Sealander and Akeira Collard in her 50th game all rebounded beautifully all day,” coach Hansen said.
“Our back six are the backbone of our team, and they always play their roles and work hard for each other.”
In the third quarter, Koongamia managed to find the scoreboard, kicking two, but the real show was up forward for Kelmscott.
Summer Yarran kicked an outstanding seven goals, assisted by Aleasha Stack’s two. “Bianca Austin worked up the ground along with Hayley McHenry and Michelle Watson who always put in,” coach Hansen said.
“Captain Louise Knitter kicked one goal for her efforts.
“Overall, I’m very proud of all the girls. Everyone played their part, really setting ourselves up for a big second half of the season.”
Kelmscott 11.10 (76) defeated Koongamia 3.1 (19).
Reserves
ECU Jets climbed their way back from four goals behind to match the Kelmscott Bulldogs at the third quarter break.
The scoreboard read nine goals, four points apiece. The teams went goal for goal in the last quarter with Calvin Davis and Jason Green kicking four each for the day.
But at the final siren, just one point set the teams apart.
Kelmscott Reserves 12.5 (77) lost to ECU 12.6 (78).
League
League coach Shannon Collard said the Bulldogs played some ‘outstanding football’ against ECU jets.
“The backline were outstanding again as they are every week, keeping the jets to only one goal for the first three quarters,” he said.
From the first bounce, Kelmscott pounced on the football, tearing away at the scoreboard with eleven goals at the third quarter.
“The slick fast ball movement of half back was too good for the jets as the bulldogs hit the scoreboard and put the game out of reach really early,” coach Collard said.
“Angus Yarran played well in the ruck most of the day and gave the midfield every opportunity.
“New player to the club, Nixon Hamlet, was outstanding for the Bulldogs, playing through the middle and finishing the game with two majors.”
It was a big day for the Kelmscott forwards.
“Callum Collard and Rodney Jetta continued to be a headache for the opposition both finishing with four each,” coach Collard said.
Captain William Walley and team mate Lawrence Hansen both kicked one each. Kelmscott League 12.12 (84) defeated ECU 4.1 (25)
This Saturday, Kelmscott Colts will come up against Collegians from12:30pm at John Dunn. The Women play away against Cockburn Cobras at 10:45am, and the Men travel to Dianella Morley with Reserves at 12:30pm and League at 2:30pm.
Photographs – Richard Polden
