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Rusty Falcons let chance Slip |
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Monday, 23 June 2008 |
by Darrell Kent
 The three week break didn't do the Falcons any favours in their game against South Fremantle at The Arena on Saturday. West Perth were never in the game and struggled to find their rhythm against a steady Bulldogs outfit.
The Bulldogs won the toss and kicked to the Perth end. They were in attack from the first bounce and had their first major on the board after seven minutes. Adam Campbell had the Falcons first three minutes later when he was on the end of some good work from Mark Seaby. The margin was only two points but from this point South Fremantle dominated to lead by twenty three points at the twenty one minute mark. Only inaccurate kicking stopped the margin from being greater. The teams then traded behinds before the busy Callum Chambers kicked his first of three at the thirty one minute mark. The quarter time eighteen point margin flattered West Perth but they were in the game. Scores were 4.7 (31) to 2.1 (13).
The Falcons started the quarter full of run. The Bulldogs kicked the first behind but from this point West Perth controlled the game but unfortunately could only manage five behinds. Their skills just weren't as sharp as before the break. The fifth behind, a left foot snap by Callum Chambers at the eleven minute mark, was to be the Falcons last score for the quarter. South Fremantle dominated to kick six unanswered goals to establish a match winning fifty three point lead at the main break. The Bulldogs led 10.11 (71) to 2.6 (18).
A behind and then a major to skipper, Jason Salecic, narrowed the margin to forty six at the seven minute mark. But once again the Bulldogs steadied to kick three goals to lead by sixty five after seventeen minutes. Brent Lecras and Kepler Bradley combined to get the ball to "Sala" who kicked his second to get one back for the Falcons. A mark and fifty metres saw Chris Keunen kick his first from thirty metres and when Mark Seaby kicked the third goal in a row the margin was forty seven at the twenty three minute mark. A South goal and a Falcon behind followed to see the Bulldogs lead by fifty two at the end of the third quarter. West Perth won the quarter by a point to trail 6.8 (44) to 14.12 (96).
 The game became more free flowing in the final quarter with West Perth kicking seven goals to the Bulldogs four. Kepler Bradley was involved when Brent Lecras put one through after two minutes. The sides traded behinds until the eleven minute mark when Andrew Seigert kicked accurately for the Bulldogs to take the lead out to fifty five. Goals to Jeff Gobbels, Callum Chambers, Adam Campbell and then a third to Callum Chambers followed and the lead had been reduced to thirty two points at the twenty minute mark. Souths steadied with two more before "Kiwi" kicked his third at the twenty seven minute mark. The Bulldogs kicked another and the game ended with a Matt Tedesco major at the thirty two minute mark. Final scores were West Perth 13.8 (86) to South Fremantle 18.17 (125).
The loss sees West Perth remain in fifth spot and South Fremantle shore up their place in the four. The four is still a real possibility but a win against the in form Swans becomes a must next week. Award winners for the Falcons included Brent Lecras, Troy Longmuir, Clayton Lasscock, Dion Fleay and the player adjudged to be best, Jay Van Berlo. Come and support the boys as they strive to beat Swan Districts at Steel Blue Oval this Saturday. At their best they are capable of doing it.
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